Malaghan cancer research double finalists in KiwiNet Research Commercialisation awards

The CAR T-cell programme is a finalist for the Breakthrough Project Award, recognising a breakout project that has recently launched to success and demonstrates best-practice commercialisation of publicly-funded research.

The accolade recognises the Malaghan’s bold and innovative approach to making next-generation cancer treatment accessible in New Zealand. 

Faced with global barriers of cost and complexity, the team established Wellington Zhaotai Therapies to co-develop a locally viable CAR T solution, created GMP-compliant local manufacturing, and set up all regulatory and clinical trial infrastructure from scratch. 

By undertaking the phase 1 ENABLE trial, which completed enrolment in 2023, the Malaghan Institute was able to secure more than $10 million in philanthropic donations towards a phase 2 trial and established BioOra Limited, a commercial spinout to automate and scale up manufacture and distribution of CAR T-cell therapies, placing New Zealand at the forefront of next-generation cell therapies.

Meanwhile, the Malaghan’s Dr Patricia Rubio-Reyes has been named a finalist in the Breakthrough Innovator category, awarded to an emerging researcher who is seizing opportunities to commercialise their research.

As part of the CAR T-cell research team, Dr Rubio-Reyes designed an innovative 'safety switch' protein for CAR T-cell therapy. In the unlikely event that a patient who receives CAR T-cell therapy experiences severe side effects, this brake can be applied on CAR T-cell activity, stopping it in its tracks. The protein has the potential to significantly enhance the safety and accessibility of this cutting-edge cancer immunotherapy and other cell therapies.

Dr Rubio-Reyes stepped forward to lead its commercialisation, taking ownership of both the technical development and the broader vision. Over the past 12 months, Dr Rubio-Reyes has worked tirelessly to build relationships across the global cell therapy ecosystem, secure a patent, refine the business case and guide the invention through the complex pathway toward market readiness.

After gaining additional experience through the KiwiNet Emerging Innovator Programme, Patricia headed to the UK where she is now based, working closely with stakeholders in the cell therapy sector to drive the commercialisation process through non-exclusive licensing opportunities.