CiMaas’ leading product to fight cancer is Natural Killer (NK) cells. These cells kill tumor cells directly as has been observed in pre-clinical studies, as well as in clinical studies (patients with myeloid leukemia). To obtain a large number of these NK cells to treat patients, so-called feeder cells are needed to stimulate the proliferation and activation of NK cells.
The present technology has several limitations, but CiMaas is developing a new technology to optimize the feeder cell procedure. CiMaas has now received an innovation project grant (LimburgToekomstbestendig) from LIOF, a regional development company, to make it possible to support this relevant innovation.
CiMaas optimized this expansion protocol and can manufacture billions of cells from only a small amount of blood from a healthy donor, usually a family member in only 12 days.