CellOrigin Biotech (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd, a China-based biotech firm specializing in allogeneic cell therapies, has signed a global collaboration with Qilu Pharmaceutical to develop “off-the-shelf” chimeric antigen receptor macrophages (CAR-iMACs) for cancer immunotherapy. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Strategic Partnership and R&D Synergies
The partnership combines CellOrigin’s expertise in genetically engineered induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived immune cell therapies with Qilu’s global commercial and manufacturing footprint. Both companies will co-develop and commercialize CAR-iMAC pipelines, with a focus on advancing the programs into clinical trials.
CellOrigin’s iPSC Innovation
CellOrigin’s platform leverages iPSCs to create allogeneic macrophages and NK cells, aiming to produce scalable, off-the-shelf cell therapies for cancer treatment. The company’s CAR-iMACs are designed to enhance tumor-targeting capabilities while reducing manufacturing complexity—a key hurdle in cell therapy adoption.
Qilu’s Commercial Reach
Qilu Pharmaceutical, a multinational pharma giant with 30,000 employees and operations spanning 80 countries, will provide manufacturing and marketing support. The collaboration underscores growing interest in cell therapies as a cornerstone of next-generation oncology treatments.-Fineline Info & Tech
