The Bench Brief

ichorbio

Welcome to The Bench Brief, presented by ichorbio. This is the essential channel for life science researchers, PIs, investors, and industry professionals focused on immuno-oncology, antibody development, cell therapy, and drug discovery. The Bench Brief delivers concise, technical presentations directly from leading scientists. We cut the fluff to bring you core data, new applications, and validated protocols. It’s by scientists, for scientists – designed for PhD-level expertise and above. Discover breakthroughs, explore new technologies, and identify potential collaborations or investment opportunities with innovative biotech and pharma companies. Each episode provides critical insights into reagents, assays, and advanced research methods. Looking for the latest in immunology and cancer research? Need to stay current with high-quality reagents and cutting-edge workflows? Subscribe now for rapid, high-impact scientific updates.

Episodes

  1. 11/04/2025

    Dr. Tommy Gambles: The Future of Multispecific Antibodies just made Bispecifics Obsolete

    🧬 Advancing a Modular Multispecific Antibody Platform (MATCH) for Hematologic Cancers | Dr. Tommy Gambles, Thera-T Pharmaceutics Dr. Tommy Gambles from Thera-T Pharmaceutics and the University of Utah presents groundbreaking research on the Multi-Antigen T Cell Hybridizers (MATCH) platform. This innovative technology is designed to address the two critical limitations of current T cell therapies: refractory relapse due to tumor heterogeneity and toxicity caused by effector cell over-activation. Dr. Gambles, co-inventor and co-founder of the University of Utah spin-out, Thera-T Pharmaceutics, details how MATCH advances the field of multispecific antibodies for liquid tumors like leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Rethinking Bispecifics: The MATCH Advantage Unlike a traditional bispecific antibody with a fixed 1:1 ratio , the MATCH platform splits the antibody into two distinct components: the T cell engaging fragment and the cancer cell engaging fragment. These fragments are functionalized with complimentary, stabilized oligonucleotides (oligos) that enable them to spontaneously and rapidly self-assemble in solution. This split-molecule architecture provides two revolutionary advantages: Modular Multi-Specificity: The platform is highly modular. Researchers can exchange different cancer cell binders and create multi-specific cocktails that target upwards of two, three, or four antigens simultaneously. This customized approach directly combats the problem of heterogeneous cancer populations and helps prevent refractory relapse. Tunable Dosing & Reduced Toxicity: By separating the binding events , the dose of the cancer cell engager can be optimized separately from the effector cell engager. This allows for a two-step dosing regimen: pre-coating the cancer cells with a high engager dose, followed by a significantly lower T cell engager dose to recruit T cells. This fine-tuned control over T cell activation significantly reduces cytokine release and toxicity compared to clinical standard bispecific antibodies. Key Findings & Validation Dr. Gambles presents compelling data validating the platform's efficacy and tunability: In Vitro Multi-Antigen Killing: The same cohort of T cells was successfully used to kill three different cancers sequentially—lymphoma (CD20-targeting), multiple myeloma (BCMA-targeting), and leukemia (CD38-targeting)—demonstrating the platform's modularity. In Vivo Self-Assembly: A pilot study in a human lymphoma mouse model confirmed successful self-assembly in vivo after a two-step IV injection with a time lag (4-5 half-lives). A single treatment led to a complete response in mice after 75 days. Optimal Dosing Ratio: In a survival study, a 10-fold reduced dose of the T cell engager proved to be optimal for long-term survival (over 150 days) compared to the standard 1:1 ratio, validating the ability to enhance efficacy while decreasing the necessary T cell activation dose. The Next Frontier: AI-Predicted Patient Dosing The team is currently developing a proprietary computational model to achieve truly patient-specific, stoichiometric dosing. Model Inputs: Patient data, including tumor burden, T cell counts, and cancer cell antigen profile, are fed into the model. Output: The model predicts the best custom multi-specific dose for that patient. Validation: An in vivo model of late-stage lymphoma showed that the AI-predicted MATCH formulation completely ablated the cancer cells with a single dose, outperforming an FDA-approved biosimilar. Partnership Opportunities: Thera-T Pharmaceutics is actively seeking pharma partners to help develop and advance the MATCH technology through IND submission for leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Connect with Dr. Gambles: Contact information is provided at the end of the video.

    15 min

About

Welcome to The Bench Brief, presented by ichorbio. This is the essential channel for life science researchers, PIs, investors, and industry professionals focused on immuno-oncology, antibody development, cell therapy, and drug discovery. The Bench Brief delivers concise, technical presentations directly from leading scientists. We cut the fluff to bring you core data, new applications, and validated protocols. It’s by scientists, for scientists – designed for PhD-level expertise and above. Discover breakthroughs, explore new technologies, and identify potential collaborations or investment opportunities with innovative biotech and pharma companies. Each episode provides critical insights into reagents, assays, and advanced research methods. Looking for the latest in immunology and cancer research? Need to stay current with high-quality reagents and cutting-edge workflows? Subscribe now for rapid, high-impact scientific updates.