As we reflect on 2024, it’s clear that this year has been a defining chapter in Cartherics’ 10-year history. We’ve experienced significant milestones, overcome challenges, and made bold strides toward advancing our mission. The work on ovarian cancer has progressed with the autologous CAR-T product under preclinical evaluation by the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne and the CAR-iNK product is progressing at Cartherics. Both are likely to enter clinical trials for ovarian cancer in 2025-26. Presently the Cartherics Clean Rooms are being upgraded to GMP as we prepare to scale up manufacturing for clinical trials. The manufacturing team are hard at work getting the preclinical runs done before submission of the IND approval by the FDA. With strong leadership overseeing our quality control procedures, we are well positioned to be early clinical manufacturers of our cell therapy products. Our team is also dedicated to ensuring the successful submission of regulatory filings for our upcoming clinical trials.  

The upside of our R&D program is driving a new CAR-Tissue Factor (TF) forward with a view of expanding into triple negative breast cancer and other solid tumours that have little in the way of therapeutic options. This program is being led by a skilled team, supported by key contributors who bring expertise and dedication to its success. It is anticipated that this CAR-iNK-TF will also attack endometriosis and our team is developing the 3D culture assays for the effects on both cancer and endometriosis. It’s an exciting time as we introduce a new CAR and target a new disease, especially given the significant impact ovarian cancer, endometriosis, and breast cancer have on women’s health.  

We are advancing our iT cells and macrophage therapies in the fight against these diseases, with the potential to expand into brain cancer and other conditions in the future. Additionally, our team is exploring NK cell therapy for concussion-related injuries. In remarkable progress, one of our students has submitted their PhD thesis on iT cells, while another has successfully completed their PhD with great recognition.  

We now have over 150 active patents, a remarkable achievement by our IP team. The company is entering an exciting growth phase, which will involve new appointments and initiatives to strengthen our program. 2025 will be a massive new challenge for the company and I am confident that we are well prepared to meet them.  

Wishing all our supporters the very best for the festive season ahead and I look forward to keeping you updated on our progress.  

Warmest best wishes, Alan