The Long Run with Luke Timmerman Ep183: Sabah Oney on CAR-T Cells Against Solid Tumors
Aug 6, 2025
Sabah Oney, CEO of Dispatch Biotherapeutics, specializes in engineered CAR-T cell therapies targeting solid tumors. In the discussion, she highlights the challenges of identifying unique cancer antigens and the use of oncolytic viruses to improve treatment efficacy. Oney shares innovative strategies for reprogramming CAR-T cells and enhancing the tumor microenvironment. She also emphasizes the importance of mission-driven leadership and collaboration within biotech, showcasing how a values-driven team can make breakthroughs in cancer research.
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Fundraising Success Story
- Sabah Oney raised $80,000 for cancer research in six days for an Everest Base Camp trek.
- Her passion and clear communication of the mission inspired rapid and generous support.
Three Challenges of Solid Tumor CAR-T
- Solid tumor CAR-T therapy faces three issues: finding a unique, homogeneous antigen and overcoming the tumor microenvironment.
- Dispatch Biotherapeutics integrates viral targeting and CAR-T engineering to tackle all three challenges together.
Viral Vector Tags Tumors for CAR-T
- Dispatch uses a viral vector to insert synthetic antigens in cancer cells, creating a target invisible on healthy cells.
- CAR-T cells then kill tagged cancer cells, triggering a chain reaction as infected cells release more virus.