IASO Biotechnology has completed its acquisition of MediSix Therapeutics, a Singapore-based immune cell engineering and cell therapy company.
The acquisition marks a step in IASO Bio’s globalisation strategy, integrating MediSix’s differentiated T-cell engineering platform, R&D pipeline, and international talent IASO Bio’s cell therapy. manufacturing and commercialisation capabilities to further strengthen and accelerate its global R&D and operational systems.
Founded in 2016, MediSix Therapeutics was established based on the research work of Dario Campana, a translational immunology expert at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore and a pioneer of 4-1BB (CD137) co-stimulatory domain CAR technology. MediSix has been backed by international institutional investors including ClavystBio, Lightstone Ventures, Osage University Partners, and EDBI, arm of SG Growth Capital (the investment platform of EDB and Enterprise Singapore). With their support, MediSix has built a robust R&D infrastructure, talent network, and international collaboration system.
MediSix’s core technology focuses on addressing key challenges in cell therapy for T-cell malignancies. Its proprietary PEBL (protein expression blocker) platform can specifically block the expression of target proteins on cell surfaces, effectively reducing fratricide among CAR-T cells. This enables targeting of antigens shared between T cells and target cells, and by combining ex vivo and in vivo CAR-T approaches, has established exclusive technological barriers and advantages for treating haematologic malignancies, solid tumours, and other diseases.
MediSix has also developed a differentiated pipeline addressing multiple unmet clinical needs. Its lead programme, IASO107, is undergoing clinical evaluation in collaboration with research hospitals, and early clinical experience has shown promising efficacy and safety signals.
Zhang Jinhua, founder, chairwoman and CEO of IASO Bio, said: “This acquisition represents a major milestone in the company’s globalisation strategy. MediSix has an outstanding scientific team and a differentiated PEBL technology platform with unique advantages in T-cell malignancies and AML that strongly complement IASO Bio’s existing pipeline. Following this acquisition, MediSix will continue to develop follow-on products leveraging its unique platform, while harnessing IASO Bio’s cost advantages and execution efficiency in CMC and clinical development to accelerate its international development. Furthermore, the addition of MediSix’s international team will significantly enhance the company’s R&D capabilities, talent attraction, and global collaboration network in the cell therapy field. We believe that through deep synergies between the two teams, we will accelerate the development of innovative cell therapy products and bring breakthrough therapies to more patients worldwide.”