The University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine) and GlyTR Therapeutics are advancing a preclinical CAR-T program targeting solid tumors, supported by adeno-associated virus (AAV) manufacturing from CDMO ProBio.
The platform, known as GlyTR, uses an AAV-mediated approach to generate CAR-T cells in vivo and is designed to target tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens expressed across multiple cancer types. The technology incorporates a lectin-based binding mechanism intended to improve selectivity for tumor cells while reducing off-target effects, a key limitation in applying CAR-T therapies to solid tumors.
ProBio supplied GMP-grade AAV6 material and development support, including plasmid production and chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) capabilities, to enable IND-enabling studies. According to UC Irvine researchers, the GMP-produced vector achieved approximately 80% CAR gene insertion efficiency, compared with about 40% using earlier research-grade material.
In preclinical models, the engineered CAR-T cells demonstrated tumor clearance in mice. The program is now progressing toward toxicology studies and investigational new drug submission, with clinical trials planned at UC Irvine’s Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and Alpha Clinic.
The GlyTR platform, licensed by UC Irvine to GlyTR Therapeutics, was recently described in Cell and is supported by approximately $30 million in funding, including a $4.6 million grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine.