Trinity and Inflection Biosciences to collaborate in immuno-oncology research

Posted on: 16 April 2018

Scientists from the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute (TBSI) are to collaborate on research with Inflection Biosciences Ltd, a private company developing innovative therapeutics for cancer.

The collaboration will explore the immunotherapeutic properties of the company’s first-in-class, dual mechanism PIM/PI3K inhibitors – in the hope that they can deliver a heightened immune response against cancer.

The collaboration with the Adjuvant Research Group within the School of Biochemistry and Immunology at TBSI, led by Professor Ed Lavelle, will also aim to explore the potential of the company’s dual mechanism molecules to complement new immunotherapeutic approaches to cancer.

The emergence of immunotherapies, which harness the body’s own immune system to fight cancer, have been a significant advancement in cancer treatment over the past number of years.

Speaking at the announcement, Professor Lavelle said: “I am excited about exploring the potential immunotherapeutic properties of Inflection Biosciences’ innovative dual mechanism inhibitors.”

“Both PIM kinase and PI3K pathways are understood to play a role in regulating the body’s immune system and so inhibiting both should offer new promise. The initial data generated by the company already suggests an immune-modulatory profile and we look forward to better understanding the mechanism of that effect.”

Director of Research and Development at Inflection Biosciences, Dr Michael O’Neill, added: “We are delighted to have Professor Lavelle and the team involved in exploring this very exciting area with us. Their work will greatly add to our understanding of how and where our new treatments will work best in cancer patients.”

The collaboration has been supported by an Enterprise Ireland Innovation Voucher, which facilitates research links between industry and Ireland’s Higher Education Institutes.