NorthWest Biotherapeutics Inc (NWBO)

[hyperopia]

Thanks flipper, this patent is for Flaskworks’ BATON system, not the MicroDEN system that will be used for DCVax-L. The BATON system cultures two types of cells using two different culturing methods; dendritic cells in an adherent container, and T-cells in suspension. It was developed by Shashi Murthy to manufacture Neon Therapeutics’ neoantigen immunotherapy with his first grant from the National Science Foundation in 2016.

I’ve wondered if this system will be tailored and further developed to produce DCVax-Direct, which cultures the dendritic cells in suspension. I think I read somewhere that the company intends to develop the Flaskworks’ technology for DCVax-Direct, after development for DCVax-L has been completed.

BTW - This is the system that Shashi Murthy was making presentations about dendritic cell manufacturing systems at conferences like Phacilitate, where I believe he caught the attention of Linda Powers, who potentially encouraged the development of the MicroDEN system.


Shashi Murthy Wins NSF Grant for Cell Therapy Manufacturing with Neon Therapeutics
Via Northeastern | September 2, 2016

Chemical Engineering Professor Shashi Murthy has received funding from the National Science Foundation to develop novel manufacturing technologies for cell-based cancer therapies.  This project will be a collaborative effort with Cambridge, MA-based Neon Therapeutics which is developing neo-antigen-based therapeutic vaccines and cell-based therapies for cancer.  Cell-based therapies represent the next major frontier in the treatment of cancer and their personalized nature presents unique challenges in manufacturing.   This project brings together an interdisciplinary team of engineers and immunologists to design innovative automated bioreactors that can be optimized for biological function.  This grant provides $300,000 in funding over a two year period to be shared equally by Northeastern and Neon Therapeutics.

https://aimbe.org/college-of-fellows/COF-2015/


National Science Foundation
Award Abstract # 1645205
EAGER: Biomanufacturing: BATON: Bioreactor System for Autologous T-Cell Stimulation

https://nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1645205&HistoricalAwards=false