Lift Biosciences Secures €12M Grant to Advance First-in-Human Trials of Novel Neutrophil Immunotherapy
Lift Biosciences has been awarded a €12 million grant from Ireland’s Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF) to advance its immuno-modulatory alpha neutrophil (IMAN) therapy into first-in-human clinical trials. This marks the largest grant awarded by the DTIF to date, underscoring the growing interest in harnessing the power of the innate immune system to combat cancer. The trial, expected to commence in Q4 2026, will focus on patients with metastatic cervical or head and neck cancers who have exhausted standard treatment options, including checkpoint inhibitors.
This investment reflects a broader industry trend towards exploring novel immuno-oncology approaches beyond traditional T-cell therapies. While checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer treatment, a significant portion of patients develop resistance, highlighting the need for alternative strategies. Lift’s IMAN therapy offers a potentially transformative approach by activating both the innate and adaptive branches of the immune system, potentially overcoming resistance mechanisms and leading to a more comprehensive anti-tumor response.
The funding will support a collaborative effort between Lift Biosciences, the University of Galway, and Hooke Bio. This partnership combines Lift’s immunotherapy platform with the University of Galway’s clinical trial expertise and Hooke Bio’s advanced immuno-analytics capabilities. This strategic alignment is crucial for navigating the complexities of clinical development and generating robust data to support future regulatory submissions and payer engagement.
The trial design itself is noteworthy. By testing progressively higher IMAN doses in sequential patient cohorts, the study aims to establish the biologically active dose and evaluate safety. Subsequent expansion cohorts will assess the combination of IMAN therapy with checkpoint inhibitors, a key strategic question given the prevalence of checkpoint inhibitor use in these cancer types. The trial’s success could pave the way for accelerated clinical development and attract further investment, positioning Lift as a leader in this emerging field of neutrophil-based immunotherapies.
For Medical Affairs leaders, this trial presents several key considerations. Generating robust real-world evidence (RWE) will be crucial to demonstrating the clinical value of IMAN therapy and securing payer reimbursement. Educating HCPs on the mechanism of action and clinical benefits of this novel approach will also be paramount for driving adoption. Furthermore, the use of advanced immuno-analytics, as provided by Hooke Bio, highlights the growing importance of incorporating sophisticated data analysis techniques into clinical trials to optimize treatment outcomes and personalize therapy.
Looking ahead, the success of Lift’s IMAN therapy could have a significant impact on the immuno-oncology landscape. If the trial demonstrates positive results, it could validate the potential of neutrophils as a powerful tool in the fight against cancer, opening up new avenues for drug development and combination therapies. It also raises the question of whether this approach could be extended to other solid tumor types and whether allogeneic cell therapies, like IMANs, could provide a more scalable and cost-effective alternative to autologous cell therapies. The industry will be closely watching the results of this trial as it holds the potential to reshape the future of cancer immunotherapy.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
