RNA Processing For Anti-Cancer Immunotherapy
CanceRNA aims to enhance the immunogenicity of “cold” cancers that lack genomic mutations and exploit abnormal transcripts to stimulate immune responses. This EU-sponsored consortium is at the forefront of transforming the landscape of cancer immunotherapy, promising a new era of treatment options for patients around the world
The Hadassah Cancer Research Institute (HCRI) is proud to lead CANCERNA together with distinguished partners in the pharmaceutical and academic sectors as part of our ongoing commitment to drive transformative change in cancer research. This dynamic collaboration aims to develop and validate innovative RNA-based therapeutics targeting non-communicable diseases. Complementing our existing research portfolio, CANCERNA’s project undertakes an all-encompassing approach that includes in-vitro and in-vivo validation, bioinformatics, delivery, and safety assessments
RNA-based therapies, particularly mRNA vaccines, have garnered global attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, saving millions of lives. However, their application in cancer therapy remains largely untested
CanceRNA’s three-year project encompasses a multitude of disciplines and activities to validate new and effective immunotherapy modalities for cancer treatment, both in-vitro and in-vivo. The goal is to expand on the successes of immunotherapy, such as its significant impacts on previously untreatable cancers like metastatic melanoma, and extend these benefits to a broader range of patients
CanceRNA has received significant support from the European Union, securing an EIC Horizon Grant through the European Union’s Horizon-Health 2021 program. This support underscores the potential and significance of the consortium’s innovative research in revolutionizing cancer treatment
Comprised of twelve international groups, CanceRNA represents a robust collaborative effort. It includes pharmaceutical giant Merck KGaA, several leading European universities, and world-renowned research centers. These organizations and institutions are pooling their expertise to develop and validate novel RNA-based therapeutics for cancer treatment. This global collaboration testifies to the promise of RNA-based therapies and their potential to redefine the landscape of cancer treatment
In addition to its partnership with Merck, Hadassah University Hospital, and The Hadassah Cancer Research Institute (HCRI) in Jerusalem, CanceRNA is also collaborating with Jerusalem biotech start-up Immunyx Pharma, further solidifying its foothold in the cutting-edge field of RNA research and immunotherapy
For more information about CanceRNA and its innovative work, please visit www.cancerna.info.