| |OCTOBER 20239CIOReviewMany Possible Applications for ImmunotherapyIt's good that the technology is on its way, because hundreds of new biopharmaceutical companies are entering the clinical development phase with innovative ways to use immunotherapy in disease conditions beyond oncology. This could mean potential cures for certain types of diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and many other conditions. Consider diabetes ­ we already have well established standards of care for the condition, but what if we were able to eliminate those standard therapies altogether? Clinical researchers are actively exploring how to use a type of immunotherapy called beta cell regeneration therapy, which aims to protect and/or regenerate the remaining insulin-producing cells in the body. This therapy would have a dramatic and meaningful impact for those suffering from type 1 diabetes. Another line of immunotherapy research is studying how to alter the immune system itself to prevent the body from attacking the insulin-producing cells in the first place, a potential cure for diabetes that would eliminate the need for ongoing treatment of the condition.What Can Your Organization Do to Prepare?My team at Advarra continues to support amazing researchers in academia and biopharma in advancing these novel therapies through clinical development stage and into the clinic.Is your organization ready for what is coming next? · New manufacturing systems will need to be developed and installed. · Distribution systems built around genetically engineered biologics designed specifically for one patient will take the place of mass-produced pill bottles. · Bench research labs will need advanced gene editing tools and biochemists looking at cells rather than small molecule chemical compositions. · Medical professionals will need to be trained and understand how these new immunotherapies work and when to prescribe them. · And most importantly, patients with debilitating conditions will expect these therapies to be available to them when they need it and at a location which is convenient for them. It is indeed an exciting time to be involved in the clinical research field! We see immunotherapy intersecting with gene editing to potentially cure previously incurable conditions and as researchers continue to explore the potential of immunotherapy, we're starting to see innovative applications beyond just the oncology field
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