Addressing the challenges of solid tumour treatment, starting with lung cancer
Solid tumours are a major global health issue, accounting for approximately 90% of all cancers, with lung cancer being the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Although there have been improvements in targeted therapies and immunotherapy, many patients still do not benefit from existing treatments. Immune cell therapies show potential but face challenges such as inconsistent effectiveness and complicated production processes.
TCR-GO provides personalized treatments designed for each patient's specific needs, using their immune cells to accurately identify and destroy cancer cells. By selecting and growing the most effective tumour-fighting T cells, TCR-GO can target specific parts of cancer that other therapies may miss, allowing for more effective treatment of solid tumours like lung cancer.
Research and development – from concept to a new innovative immunotherapy technology
The TCR-GO innovation is the result of years of dedicated research focused on understanding how cancers interact with the immune system and how immune cells can be modified to improve their responses to cancer. The project has been established by Haikalab at the University of Helsinki and is led by Assistant Professor Heidi Haikala.
The research team combines proprietary, in-house-built experimental methods with advanced computational techniques to identify T cell receptors (TCRs) that specifically target tumour antigens unique to each patient. This innovative technology integrates immunology, molecular and cellular biology and computational biology to understand and predict how T cells can target tumours.
A key feature of TCR-GO is its ability to identify and expand the patient's most effective tumour-reactive T cells using their natural T cell receptors. This technology enriches genuinely tumour-reactive cells and amplifies them through natural biological processes, significantly enhancing treatment efficacy. Unlike many current T cell-based therapies that require extensive cell engineering, TCR-GO simplifies the process, offering a more efficient and streamlined solution.
Market opportunities and possible applications
The global cancer immunotherapy market was projected to reach USD 153 billion by 2025, with the T cell therapy segment expected to grow from USD 10 billion in 2025 to USD 196 billion by 2035. TCR-GO addresses the unmet need for effective cancer treatments, positioning itself as a key player in personalized cancer immunotherapy. The technology has strong commercial potential, allowing partnerships with biotech and pharmaceutical companies, as well as providing licensable TCR discovery platforms and companion diagnostics.
Impact and benefits of the new method
TCR-GO is poised to significantly impact the healthcare landscape by accelerating the development of effective, personalized immune-based cancer therapies. By enhancing the discovery process for therapeutic TCRs, the technology aims to reduce both development time and costs, enabling biotech and pharmaceutical companies to bring innovative immunotherapies to market more swiftly.
TCR-GO therapies are expected to improve patient outcomes and quality of life by minimizing side effects and relapse rates, while also reducing healthcare costs through fewer required treatments and hospitalizations. The team has established a strong proof-of-concept pipeline, demonstrating the ability to expand and isolate tumour-reactive T cells, validate their functional activity, and prepare for real-world application.
Future and path to commercialization
The TCR-GO team is currently optimizing and validating the platform, focusing on refining TCR identification and expansion processes. Future steps include testing the platform’s efficacy in human-based models. The project aims to establish Good Laboratory Manufacturing Practices (GLMP) and identify shared tumour antigens. Intellectual property protection is also a priority as the team explores various commercialization options, including licensing the platform to pharmaceutical companies, forming a spin-out company for TCR-based therapies, and establishing strategic collaborations with industry and healthcare institutions. The optimal pathway will be determined based on which option best supports long-term impact and market adoption.
Supported by Business Finland's Research to Business funding, this innovative commercialization preparation project is on track for commercialization by 2027, with the potential to significantly impact the cancer treatment landscape.
Summary: Precise therapy for solid tumours through T cell technology
TCR-GO offers a groundbreaking platform for solid tumours treatment, with an initial focus on lung cancer, by utilizing the patient's own immune cells to create personalized therapies. This innovative technology identifies and expands effective tumour-reactive T cells, enabling precise targeting of cancer cells while minimizing side effects. By avoiding extensive cell engineering, TCR-GO enhances the therapeutic potential of immune cells, paving the way for both personalized and universal T cell therapies. This cutting-edge innovation aims to significantly improve patient outcomes and establish a strong presence in the growing cancer immunotherapy market.
Join the collaboration
The University of Helsinki's commercialisation projects offer opportunities for collaboration across a wide range of industries and technology domains. We are interested in connecting with industry partners, investors, funding organisations, and potential customers to explore co-development, validation, piloting, licensing, venture creation, and other pathways to market.
Contact us
Assistant Professor Heidi Haikala
Project Lead
Dr. Nesma Ibrahim
Commercial Lead