Ground-breaking first-in-human cancer cell therapy trials to start in Galway

Clinical researchers are set to launch immune-cell therapy clinical trials aimed at tackling treatment resistance in solid tumour, supported by a €11.9 million grant from the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund.

The project is being spearheaded by a consortium from LIfT BiSciences, University of Galway, Galway University Hospitals and Hooke Bio.

The funding award, announced by Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke T.D., and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless T.D., is the largest single grant awarded by the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund to date, with €5.9 million in direct funding going to University of Galway.

The consortium will launch the first-in-human clinical trials of a ground-breaking neutrophil-based cancer immune-cell therapy developed by LIfT BioSciences, a client of Údarás na Gaeltachta with an Irish base in An Spidéal, Co. Galway.

Neutrophils are part of the first line of defence in the body’s immune response. The trial will focus on patients with metastatic cervical and head and neck cancer who have exhausted all standard treatments, including checkpoint inhibitors. Trials, which will be conducted at Galway University Hospitals, are expected to begin in 2026.

The grant will support the clinical development of LIfT BioSciences’ next-generation cell therapy designed to overcome resistance in solid tumours, known as Immuno-Modulatory Alpha Neutrophils (IMANs).

University of Galway will contribute its deep expertise in oncology and cell therapy clinical trials, as well as in translating laboratory research into clinical applications, including predictive biomarkers. Hooke Bio will provide advanced analytical tools to optimise and assess how patients respond to this novel therapy.

The study will first establish the safe and effective dose of immune-cell cancer therapy and then combine this treatment with other immune-based therapies to overcome resistance to these cancer treatments observed in some patients.

Professor Sean Hynes, Consultant Histopathologist and Translational Cancer Researcher from University of Galway’s School of Medicine and Lead Academic of the award said: “In partnership with LiFT BioSciences and Hooke Bio, we are very excited about University of Galway and Galway University Hospital being at the forefront of delivering on new oncological cellular therapies by using neutrophils, the body’s own first responders, in the fight against cancer and ensuring patients in the West of Ireland have access to such cutting edge treatments.”

Professor Fidelma Dunne, Director of the Institute for Clinical Trials at University of Galway, said: “The Institute for Clinical Trials is proud to support this collaboration and look forward to working closely with Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund partners LifT BioSciences and Hooke Bio, and with academic and clinical colleagues at the University and Galway University Hospital. The programme will bring a new therapy to patients with an unmet critical need. This will be a truly inspirational journey from basic science to a first in human trial as we deliver this novel cell therapy to cancer patients.”

Dr Michael McCarthy, Consultant Medical Oncologist and Principal Investigator at University Hospital Galway, added: “Cancer remains one of the most complex and dynamic diseases. IMANs have the potential to overcome key limitations of current cancer treatments by activating both the innate and adaptive branches of the immune system. This dual stimulation enables a comprehensive anti-tumour response, representing a transformative advancement in cancer therapy. We are pleased to receive this grant in collaboration with LIfT and Hooke Bio, and we look forward to accelerating the clinical development of this groundbreaking immunotherapy.”

Dr Andrew Finnerty Manager of the Centre for Cell Manufacturing Ireland at University of Galway, said: “We at the Centre for Cell Manufacturing Ireland (CCMI) at the University of Galway look forward to delivering on our cellular manufacturing role within this project.  The awarding of this The Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund paves the way for CCMI to truly expand and develop as a manufacturing hub for cellular therapies and to deliver on this ground-breaking neutrophil immuno-cell therapy. This will build on our Good Manufacturing Practice certified status and proven track record on delivering clinical therapeutic products.”

HSE West and North West Regional Executive Officer Tony Canavan said: “One of the key priorities for the cancer programme across the west and north west region is to increase the number of patients participating in clinical trials and ensure that our communities have access to new and better therapies. This ground-breaking immunotherapy trial demonstrates the power of collaboration between academic, industry and healthcare partners to drive innovation in cancer research and to improve patient outcomes.”

The Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund is a €500 million fund established under the National Development Plan (NDP) in 2018. It is managed by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with administrative support from Enterprise Ireland.

See more stories here.