Ep175: Andy Scharenberg on in vivo CAR-T cell therapies
Mar 16, 2025
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Andy Scharenberg, Co-founder and CEO of Umoja Biopharma, is advancing in vivo CAR-T cell therapies to make life-saving treatments more accessible. He talks about the challenges and breakthroughs in CAR T-cell treatments, including the transformative possibilities of gene therapies. Scharenberg reflects on his journey from medicine to molecular innovation and highlights the importance of collaboration in tackling complex immune disorders. He also shares exciting developments aimed at revolutionizing cancer treatment and enhancing patient outcomes.
Umoja Biopharma is innovating in vivo CAR-T cell therapies to directly target cancer cells, streamlining treatment processes and accessibility.
The company aims to revolutionize patient access to CAR-T therapies by implementing a single-session delivery system and cutting-edge technologies.
With $100 million in Series C funding, Umoja plans to advance clinical trials and establish a manufacturing facility for its therapies.
Deep dives
In Vivo CAR T-Cell Therapy Concept
Umoja Biopharma aims to revolutionize CAR T-cell therapy by developing in vivo treatments that reprogram the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells directly within the body. This approach contrasts with traditional methods requiring time-consuming and expensive ex vivo processes, where T-cells are extracted, modified, and reinfused. By delivering gene therapy in a single session, Umoja hopes to simplify treatment processes, reduce costs, and make these life-saving therapies more accessible to patients. Specifically, the company seeks to address the challenges of current CAR T therapies by allowing patients to quickly receive effective treatments without the need for extensive hospitalizations.
Founding and Vision of Umoja Biopharma
Andy Scherenberg, co-founder and CEO of Umoja, established the company with a vision centered on enhancing patient access to CAR T-cell therapies. Recognizing that only a small fraction of patients currently benefit from these therapies, the team set out to innovate the delivery mechanisms and make treatments available anytime and anywhere. This mission led to the integration of various cutting-edge technologies to address existing barriers in cancer care and improve patient outcomes. The foundation of Umoja was built on the idea that merging scientific innovation with practical business models could significantly alter the landscape of cancer treatment.
Funding and Development Progress
Umoja Biopharma successfully secured $100 million in Series C financing to advance its research and development efforts, positioning itself to enter early-stage clinical trials by the end of 2025. This financial boost not only supports their in vivo CAR T-cell therapy research but also enables the establishment of a manufacturing facility to streamline production processes. The funding is crucial as it helps navigate the often-challenging biotech landscape, allowing the team to focus on developing their innovative therapies. With ongoing advancements, they plan to present initial clinical trial results, which could demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of their therapies.
Technology Innovations for Efficacy
Umoja utilizes proprietary technologies, including a unique delivery platform known as VivoVec that leverages lentiviral vectors, enabling T-cells to be modified within the patient's body. This system aims to ensure that T-cells not only recognize but also effectively eliminate cancer cells, while minimizing immune responses that can impact safety. Additionally, the company has developed the RACER receptor to enhance T-cell survival during immune responses and a tumor tag system to target multiple tumor antigens simultaneously. These innovations promise to improve the persistence and efficacy of CAR T-cell therapies, particularly in treating both hematologic malignancies and solid tumors.
Clinical Trials and Future Outlook
Umoja has initiated clinical trials for its CD19 and CD22-targeting CAR T-cell therapies and anticipates presenting initial data by late 2025. The goal is to evaluate how these in vivo therapies perform compared to existing CAR T treatments, particularly regarding patient safety and therapeutic efficacy. This data will be crucial in determining the viability of their products in the market and potentially guiding future developments in CAR T-cell therapy. If successful, Umoja's approach could represent a significant shift in cancer treatment, offering more accessible and effective options for patients facing life-threatening conditions.
