BioTech Secures Landmark Funding For Cancer Breakthrough
July 30, 2025, 9:36 am
Location: Ireland, Connacht, Galway City
Employees: 1001-5000
Founded date: 1845
LIfT BioSciences, a pioneering biotech, secured a groundbreaking €12 million grant. This major funding fuels first-in-human clinical trials for IMANs, their novel cancer immunotherapy. IMANs are designed to defeat tenacious treatment-resistant solid tumors. This innovative approach replaces compromised immune systems, offering durable anti-cancer responses. The record grant from Ireland's Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund drives a vital collaboration with University of Galway and Hooke Bio. Trials for metastatic cervical and head and neck cancers start late 2026. This initiative marks a significant leap towards transforming oncology and delivering lasting patient remission.
Cancer remains a formidable foe. Solid tumors present unique challenges. They often develop resistance to standard treatments. This resistance leads to devastating patient outcomes. Over ninety percent of cancer-related deaths link to tumor escape. Current immunotherapies often fall short. They struggle to overcome this evasive ability. A new approach is desperately needed.
LIfT BioSciences offers a bold new solution. The British-Irish biotech pioneers a first-in-class immunotherapy. Their focus: Immuno-Modulatory Alpha Neutrophils, or IMANs. These are not typical cancer drugs. They represent a fundamental shift in fighting the disease. IMANs aim to restore full immune competence. This means empowering the body’s own defenses.
IMANs originate from rare "super donors." These individuals possess naturally potent immune systems. LIfT cultures donor stem cells. Their proprietary N-LIfT platform enhances production. This process yields scalable, powerful cell therapies. These specially engineered immune cells are delivered via IV infusions. They represent an allogeneic therapy.
The mechanism of IMANs is distinct. They identify and destroy cancer cells. This occurs through advanced threat pattern recognition. Crucially, it is non-antigen-specific. This means IMANs do not target a single marker. This broad approach prevents tumor escape. It delivers a comprehensive anti-tumor response. Both innate and adaptive immune systems activate. This dual stimulation offers durable, total immunity. It promises lasting remission for patients.
A monumental €12 million grant now propels this innovation. Ireland’s Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF) awarded the funding. This represents the largest grant ever from the DTIF. It underscores the profound potential of IMANs. The funding directly supports first-in-human clinical trials. Trials are projected to commence in late 2026.
This significant investment fuels a powerful consortium. LIfT BioSciences leads the effort. Key partners include the University of Galway and Hooke Bio. Each brings critical expertise. The University of Galway boasts deep knowledge. Their strengths lie in cell therapy development and clinical trials. They offer oncology and patient care insights. Their advanced manufacturing capabilities are vital.
Hooke Bio contributes its analytical prowess. They utilize a novel immuno-analytics platform. This platform is called Mera body on a plate. It aims to precisely measure patient responses. This enhanced analysis will optimize therapy outcomes. The collaboration strengthens the entire research ecosystem. It accelerates the path to patient access.
The clinical trial design is strategic. It targets metastatic cervical cancer. It also includes head and neck cancer. These patients have exhausted all standard treatments. This includes checkpoint inhibitors. The trial will first assess feasibility and safety. Progressively higher IMAN doses will be tested. This determines the biologically active dose.
Subsequent trial phases will expand. Additional patients will receive the recommended dose. This will occur in combination with checkpoint inhibitor therapy. This dual approach aims for synergistic effects. The trial results will be transformative. They will hasten the technology's availability. They will also attract further investment into Ireland.
LIfT BioSciences continues to innovate beyond current IMANs. They are advancing iPSC technology. Genetic engineering is also a key focus. These efforts aim to create next-generation IMAN therapies. Collaboration with pharma partners is ongoing. The goal is cost-effective, long-term remission. This vision extends beyond cancer.
The DTIF’s role is crucial. It is a €500 million challenge-based fund. It operates under Project Ireland 2040. This fund supports truly innovative technologies. It seeks solutions for critical national and societal challenges. The N-LIfT project underwent rigorous evaluation. Its potential to revolutionize cancer therapy is clear.
This grant represents more than financial backing. It signifies a profound endorsement. It validates LIfT’s pioneering vision. It underscores the urgency of new cancer solutions. The funding supports critical manufacturing processes. It underpins the entire clinical trial program in Galway.
Patients with relentless cancers face renewed hope. This breakthrough therapy promises a different future. It aims to empower the body's innate defenses. It challenges the very nature of cancer resistance. LIfT BioSciences, with its partners, stands at the forefront. They are ushering in a new era of cancer immunotherapy. This marks a pivotal moment in medical innovation.
Cancer remains a formidable foe. Solid tumors present unique challenges. They often develop resistance to standard treatments. This resistance leads to devastating patient outcomes. Over ninety percent of cancer-related deaths link to tumor escape. Current immunotherapies often fall short. They struggle to overcome this evasive ability. A new approach is desperately needed.
LIfT BioSciences offers a bold new solution. The British-Irish biotech pioneers a first-in-class immunotherapy. Their focus: Immuno-Modulatory Alpha Neutrophils, or IMANs. These are not typical cancer drugs. They represent a fundamental shift in fighting the disease. IMANs aim to restore full immune competence. This means empowering the body’s own defenses.
IMANs originate from rare "super donors." These individuals possess naturally potent immune systems. LIfT cultures donor stem cells. Their proprietary N-LIfT platform enhances production. This process yields scalable, powerful cell therapies. These specially engineered immune cells are delivered via IV infusions. They represent an allogeneic therapy.
The mechanism of IMANs is distinct. They identify and destroy cancer cells. This occurs through advanced threat pattern recognition. Crucially, it is non-antigen-specific. This means IMANs do not target a single marker. This broad approach prevents tumor escape. It delivers a comprehensive anti-tumor response. Both innate and adaptive immune systems activate. This dual stimulation offers durable, total immunity. It promises lasting remission for patients.
A monumental €12 million grant now propels this innovation. Ireland’s Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF) awarded the funding. This represents the largest grant ever from the DTIF. It underscores the profound potential of IMANs. The funding directly supports first-in-human clinical trials. Trials are projected to commence in late 2026.
This significant investment fuels a powerful consortium. LIfT BioSciences leads the effort. Key partners include the University of Galway and Hooke Bio. Each brings critical expertise. The University of Galway boasts deep knowledge. Their strengths lie in cell therapy development and clinical trials. They offer oncology and patient care insights. Their advanced manufacturing capabilities are vital.
Hooke Bio contributes its analytical prowess. They utilize a novel immuno-analytics platform. This platform is called Mera body on a plate. It aims to precisely measure patient responses. This enhanced analysis will optimize therapy outcomes. The collaboration strengthens the entire research ecosystem. It accelerates the path to patient access.
The clinical trial design is strategic. It targets metastatic cervical cancer. It also includes head and neck cancer. These patients have exhausted all standard treatments. This includes checkpoint inhibitors. The trial will first assess feasibility and safety. Progressively higher IMAN doses will be tested. This determines the biologically active dose.
Subsequent trial phases will expand. Additional patients will receive the recommended dose. This will occur in combination with checkpoint inhibitor therapy. This dual approach aims for synergistic effects. The trial results will be transformative. They will hasten the technology's availability. They will also attract further investment into Ireland.
LIfT BioSciences continues to innovate beyond current IMANs. They are advancing iPSC technology. Genetic engineering is also a key focus. These efforts aim to create next-generation IMAN therapies. Collaboration with pharma partners is ongoing. The goal is cost-effective, long-term remission. This vision extends beyond cancer.
The DTIF’s role is crucial. It is a €500 million challenge-based fund. It operates under Project Ireland 2040. This fund supports truly innovative technologies. It seeks solutions for critical national and societal challenges. The N-LIfT project underwent rigorous evaluation. Its potential to revolutionize cancer therapy is clear.
This grant represents more than financial backing. It signifies a profound endorsement. It validates LIfT’s pioneering vision. It underscores the urgency of new cancer solutions. The funding supports critical manufacturing processes. It underpins the entire clinical trial program in Galway.
Patients with relentless cancers face renewed hope. This breakthrough therapy promises a different future. It aims to empower the body's innate defenses. It challenges the very nature of cancer resistance. LIfT BioSciences, with its partners, stands at the forefront. They are ushering in a new era of cancer immunotherapy. This marks a pivotal moment in medical innovation.