cTRL Therapeutics

About cTRL Therapeutics

cTRL Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing autologous cell therapies for solid tumors, which account for the vast majority of all cancers. Founded in 2019 by Dr. Shana Kelley, the company originated as a university spin-out from the University of Toronto, built upon intellectual property developed in her lab. Dr. Kelley, a prolific researcher and president of the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub in Chicago, serves as the Chief Technology Officer, bringing extensive experience in life sciences and nanotechnology. The company is now led by CEO Dr. Derrell D. Porter, a biopharmaceutical veteran with over two decades of experience in commercializing innovative therapeutics in oncology and gene therapy.

The company's core business revolves around its proprietary technology for isolating a rare and potent type of immune cell, known as circulating tumor-reactive lymphocytes (cTRLs), directly from a patient's blood. This approach represents a significant shift from conventional methods like tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy, which requires the surgical removal of a patient's tumor to harvest cells. By using a simple blood draw, cTRL's method is less invasive, potentially more cost-effective, and simplifies the manufacturing process, broadening patient access to these advanced treatments. The company’s platform technology, called IsoQore™, is a microfluidic, magnetic-based cell-sorting system that isolates these cTRLs with high purity and viability, preserving their natural cancer-fighting capabilities. This technology is designed to capture a wide variety of polyclonal T-cells, which can recognize multiple targets on a tumor, potentially leading to more effective therapies.

cTRL Therapeutics operates in the immuno-oncology market, specifically within the cell therapy sector, serving patients with solid tumors. Its business model is centered on the research, development, and eventual commercialization of its therapeutic pipeline. The company's lead product candidate, cTRL-001, is a non-genetically modified cell therapy currently in preclinical development, with clinical trials anticipated to start in 2025. The company has successfully raised $19.6 million in funding from investors including General Catalyst, Intermountain Healthcare, Portal Innovations, and FACIT. With operations in Chicago, San Francisco, and a recently expanded R&D lab in Toronto, cTRL is strategically positioned within major biotechnology hubs to advance its platform and bring its novel therapies to the clinic.