Cellectis S.A. (CLLS) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing a new generation of cancer treatments based on engineered T cells. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Paris, France, the company is recognized as a pioneer in the field of cell therapy, and it operates in multiple locations worldwide, including New York, USA.
Cellectis specializes in gene editing utilizing TALEN® (Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases) technology and CAR (Chimeric Antigen Receptors) T-cell therapies to combat various types of cancers. Its innovative gene-editing technology allows the modification of genes within an organism, offering potential therapies for serious diseases with unmet medical needs. It aims to create an off-the-shelf, or allogeneic, T-cell treatment option that is readily available and affordable for patients diagnosed with cancer.
The concept revolves around collecting T cells from a non-patient (donor) and reprogramming them to fight against specific cancers. The engineered T cells, known as "AlloCAR T™" cells, are infused back into patients to attack and kill cancer cells. Unlike other CAR T-cell therapies, Cellectis' AlloCAR T™ does not require the patients to use their own T cells, making the treatment less time-consuming and potentially more accessible.
The firm's lead product candidate is UCART19, an allogeneic CAR T-cell product, which is in Phase I clinical development for the treatment of pediatric and adult patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Other product candidates are being developed for the treatment of multiple myeloma, blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm, and various types of leukemias and solid tumors.
Cellectis S.A. collaborates with various prestigious organizations and academic institutes worldwide for further research and development. Some of their key partnerships include Servier Laboratories, Pfizer, and the MD Anderson Cancer Center. In addition to its primary focus on cancer, the company also delves into other fields such as immunology, diabetes, and rare diseases.
Overall, Cellectis S.A. stands as a promising player in the oncology biotech sphere. Its pioneering and disruptive approach to cancer treatment through gene editing and cell therapy sets the company apart, as it continues to push boundaries in the race to find a cure for cancer. The company's shares are listed on the Euronext Growth market (Alternext) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market in the form of American Depositary Shares.