BP2301 (BrightPath Biotherapeutics Co., Ltd.)

BP2301 (also known as CYT-001) is an investigational allogeneic cell therapy composed of natural killer T (NKT) cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Developed by BrightPath Biotherapeutics in collaboration with Kyoto University's Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), this therapy aims to overcome the limitations of endogenous NKT cell scarcity in cancer patients. NKT cells are a unique lineage of T cells that express an invariant T-cell receptor (TCR) capable of recognizing glycolipid antigens presented by the non-polymorphic CD1d molecule. By using iPSC technology, a large, standardized population of these cells can be produced for off-the-shelf use. Once administered, BP2301 cells infiltrate the tumor microenvironment, where they exert direct cytotoxic effects on CD1d-positive cells and secrete high levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). This cytokine release triggers a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity by activating natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), thereby enhancing the overall anti-tumor response. BP2301 is currently in Phase 1 clinical development for the treatment of advanced or recurrent head and neck cancer.

Other names

induced pluripotent stem cell-derived natural killer T cellsiPSC-derived NKT cellsiPSC-NKT