New Inward Investment Brings Innovative Cancer Cell Therapy to Scotland

Scottish start-up biotechnology company, TC BioPharm Ltd (TCB) is collaborating with Tokyo-listed MEDINET to develop the Japanese company’s immuno-cell therapy  technology into a novel treatment for various different types of cancer through clinical development in the UK and Europe.

TCB’s technology uses patients’ own immune cells grown in culture to target cancer, and has a safe history based on the treatment of numerous patients in Japan. It has obtained Scientific Advice from the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency which has provided a clear roadmap to clinical studies. Under expert guidance from Principal Investigator, Professor Jeff Evans of the University of Glasgow, TCB plans to treat the first cohort of patients early in 2015, working alongside established cancer clinics in Glasgow and Southampton.

With an initial funding commitment of £1.3 million, Scottish Enterprise (SE) is assisting with Midlothian-based TCB’s strategic business planning, investment strategy and international growth opportunities through Scottish Development International (SDI). A £500,000 Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) award from SE will help create 35 new highly skilled jobs over the next three years and additional funding for academic collaborations has been provided by Glasgow City Council.

Mr Kunihiko Suzuki, chief executive officer of MEDINET (Japan), said, “It is encouraging to have an excellent business partner in the UK, headed by Dr Michael Leek, who has a well established reputation in the biotechnology and regenerative medicine industry. Over the next few years I believe our partnership with TC BioPharm will successfully obtain marketing approval of this exciting immuno-cell therapy for cancer patients in the UK and Europe.”

Chief executive of TC BioPharm, Dr Michael Leek, stated, “We are one important step closer to Phase II clinical studies and our goal of treating cancer patients with this novel cell therapy. The therapeutic approach being developed by TCB connects both regenerative and stratified medicine, placing Scotland at the forefront of these innovative therapeutic sectors.”