Cell and Gene Therapy at Pitt

Therapeutic Area: Oncology

Description: Researchers are developing novel approaches to improve CAR-T cell therapy effectiveness by reprogramming cellular metabolism and reactivating mitochondrial function within tumor microenvironments. This work addresses a critical challenge in cancer immunotherapy—maintaining T cell function in hostile tumor environments.

Ideal Partner Profile: Biotech and pharmaceutical companies developing next-generation CAR-T therapies or tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) treatments for solid tumors.

Therapeutic Area: Neuroscience

Description: Investigators are developing targeted gene therapies that act on the spinal dorsal horn to treat chronic, treatment-resistant pain conditions. This approach offers a potential alternative to opioid-based pain management with fewer systemic side effects.

Ideal Partner Profile: Pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers seeking innovative pain management solutions, particularly for chronic pain conditions.

Therapeutic Area: Cardiovascular/Metabolic Disease

Description: Researchers have developed polycistronic AAV vectors that dramatically expand genetic payload capacity, enabling treatment of complex diseases caused by mutations in multiple genes, such as Prader-Willi Syndrome and metabolic disorders.

Ideal Partner Profile: Gene therapy companies developing treatments for rare genetic diseases, particularly those involving multiple gene mutations.