Gene Editing and Immunotherapeutic Targeting of ADGRE2/EMR2 to Enable Combinatorial Targeting in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

Our Platform
We have built a proprietary technology platform
The key components of the Vor Bio platform are:

Stem cell biology and
manufacturing expertise
We have built an extensive understanding of the biology of Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) to enable our eHSCs to retain their cellular viability and functionality during manipulation. In addition, we have built process development expertise centered around HSCs, enabling us to process these cells quickly, precisely, reproducibly, and efficiently for patients. We have invested in internal in-house clinical GMP manufacturing capabilities and facilities that allow us to leverage our expertise and to maintain strategic control over the manufacturing process

Applying genome
engineering to HSCs
Recent developments in genome engineering allow permanent changes to DNA in cells and all their progeny. We have assembled a team with extensive experience in applying genome engineering technologies to HSCs, which display distinct DNA repair mechanisms compared to many other cell types. We possess expertise in a variety of genome engineering technologies including CRISPR-Cas9, CRISPR analog enzymes, and base editing, and we are capable of multiplex editing using a variety of techniques.

Unlocking the potential of
targeted therapies
We believe our eHSCs are a solution to the lack of tumor-specific targets and enable selective cancer targeting. Our solution allows for treatment with potent agents, such as CAR-T therapies, whose utility and applicability have previously been limited, in part, by on-target toxicity. We are designing and developing targeted therapies that are optimized for use with our eHSCs in the post-HSCT setting.
Our goal is to replace the patient’s HSCs with next-generation, treatment-resistant eHSCs that unlock the potential of highly potent targeted therapies by leveraging our platform and expertise.

Traditional Paradigm
for Drug Development
Target cancer antigens to kill cancer cells

Problem
Few unique cancer antigens, so drugs kill both cancer and healthy cells through on-target toxicity

Vor Bio Paradigm:
Engineered HSCs (eHSCs)
Remove target expression on healthy cells so that killing is cancer-specific
Related Publications
Translocation Detection and Quantification Workflow to Characterize CRISPR-Cas Multiplex Edited Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells (HSPCs)
Leveraging Human Genetics To Advance Cell Therapies For Treatment Of Blood Cancers
A machine learning approach incorporating germline information improves genotyping of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing events at single cell resolution
Efficient Multiplex Gene Editing of CD33 and CLL-1 in Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells Enables the Potential of Next-Generation Transplants for AML Treatment
Functional Validation of Single Domain Antibody-Derived CD33 Specific CAR-T Cells for the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Multiplex deletion of myeloid antigens by base editing in human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) enables potential for next generation transplant for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treatment
Efficient knockout of both CD33 and CLL-1 by multiplex genome editing of human hematopoietic stem cells enhances the potential of next- generation transplants for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treatment
Automated Closed Cell Processing System De-Risks Gene-Edited CD34+ Hematopoietic Stem Cell Manufacturing