@Kelvin8r @pfeifer as well.
I do love these science forums. Gets us thinking!
Car-NK cells are a similar idea, but use a different kind of immune cell called Natural Killer (NK) cells. These cells might be easier an d cheaper to make in large batches, and they may cause fewer side effects, but they are newer and less proven in humans.
Why start with CarT ?
Car-T therapy is already proven to work in some cancers. There are approved Car-T treatments for certain blood cancers and a lot of experience with how to make and use them safely.
The manufacturing process for Car-T is well established, even though it’s very expensive and takes a few weeks.
For a new target like CDH17, it makes sense to first test what’s already known to work (CAR-T) before trying something less tested (Car-NK).
Will CHM try Car-NK in the future?
Possibly! If the Car-T approach works and is safe, the company might try using the same “GPS” on NK cells. This could make the treatment cheaper and easier to give to more people, but they need to prove it works with T cells first.
I think this is how it goes. It's a deep speculation but something will give.
My thoughts on time line announcements in chronological order "maybe".
Dose level 2 CDH17 in 2 -4 months
Core NK mid to late 25 for solid tumours ( preliminary efficacy)
Core NK Glioblastoma second half 2025
Dose level 3 cdh17 Q3 2025
Dose level 4 cdh17 Q4 or early 26
Our questions and suppositions may be more clearer then. But let's keep on digging the scientific think tank.
Kpax
(20min delay)