[BIO USA] CureCell Overcomes CAR-T Therapy Limitations with 'Hyperkine' Technology

Increasing CAR-T Cell Activity and Lifespan

CureCell, a company developing chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies, is working to secure global competitiveness through its 'Hyperkine' technology, which aims to overcome the limitations of existing CAR-T therapies.

Jina Lee, Head of Technology Business at CureCell, explained CureCell's future strategy at the 2025 BIO International Convention (BIO USA) held in Boston, USA, on the 19th (local time). Photo by Taewon Choi

Jina Lee, Head of Technology Business at CureCell, met with Asia Economy on the 19th (local time) at the 2025 BIO International Convention (BIO USA) held in Boston, USA. She stated, "Commercialized CAR-T cells have not demonstrated the dramatic effects that were initially expected," and added, "The current trend is to maximize efficacy through technologies such as 'armoring' so that the full potential of CAR-T cells can be realized."

Hyperkine is an armoring technology that increases the activity and lifespan of CAR-T cells by equipping them with specific substances. Hyperkine is currently being developed to target prostate cancer, focusing on prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), and the potential for expansion into various solid tumor indications is also being considered.

Lee pointed out that one of the biggest limitations of CAR-T cells is their inability to persist in the body for extended periods. She explained, "For solid tumors, the activity and lifespan of CAR-T cells are crucial, and Hyperkine is a platform technology that enhances both aspects simultaneously." She further noted, "CAR-T cells equipped with Hyperkine have been shown to remain in the body for longer periods and maintain their anti-cancer effects compared to cells without Hyperkine."

The Hyperkine technology can also help reduce side effects of CAR-T therapies. If CAR-T cells can persist longer in the body, the number of CAR-T cells that need to be administered can be reduced. This, in turn, lowers the likelihood of various side effects, including central nervous system complications, cytokine release syndrome (CRS), fever, and vomiting.

Hyperkine is highly scalable as it can be utilized as a platform technology. Lee stated, "We are discussing various forms of business collaborations so that global pharmaceutical companies can incorporate Hyperkine into their own pipelines as a platform technology."

At this year's BIO USA, CureCell held more than 20 partnering meetings with global pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Lee said, "Follow-up discussions for collaboration are actively underway, and we are receiving positive responses regarding the establishment of strategic partnerships."