November 29, 2021 -- Turnstone Biologics has entered into a strategic multiyear research collaboration with the Moffitt Cancer Center for the preclinical development of investigational tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapies. The partnership will focus on new clinical candidates using Turnstone's next-generation TIL approach in treating multiple solid tumors.
Moffitt will collaborate on the development of selected TILs for the identification, enrichment, and expansion of neoantigen-reactive TILs in solid tumor indications, including melanoma, breast, and colorectal cancers. Furthermore, Turnstone will transfer their proprietary TIL manufacturing process to Moffitt to produce cell products for upcoming clinical studies of Turnstone's product candidates in addition to providing financial support for R&D at Moffitt over the multiyear collaboration.
Turnstone's TIL therapy platform is designed to extend beyond the use of bulk TILs to enrich the most relevant T cells for tumor eradication, preserving broad antigen diversity and minimizing the time to treatment for patients. The company's ultimate goal is to extend the benefit of TIL therapy across a wider range of solid tumor types.
Turnstone aims to drive clinical efficacy in harder-to-treat, lower mutational burden cancer indications with its TIL platform. Turnstone's lead therapy program, TIDAL-01, is expected to enter the clinic in early 2022.