This Cambridge-based startup develops a synthetic biology platform that utilizes CRISPR technology to engineer induced pluripotent stem cells into functional chassis cells for cell therapies. Their approach aims to enhance treatment options for serious diseases, including autoimmunity and cancer, by enabling the production of genetically engineered therapeutic constructs.
Funding
$17.9M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Current cell therapy approaches for complex diseases like cancer and autoimmunity often lack the precision to target specific cells and deliver therapeutic payloads effectively. Existing methods struggle to control the activation and release of therapeutic agents, limiting their efficacy and increasing the risk of off-target effects.
Solution
Xap Therapeutics is developing a synthetic biology platform that engineers induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into functional chassis cells, creating tailor-made cell therapies. By leveraging CRISPR technology and synthetic biology, Xap reprograms nature's first-responder cells into modular delivery vehicles capable of carrying diverse therapeutic payloads, including cytokines, antibodies, and nucleic acids. These engineered cells are designed to activate only upon recognition of specific disease targets, enabling precise and controlled release of their therapeutic cargo. This targeted approach aims to improve treatment outcomes for complex diseases like cancer and autoimmunity by enhancing efficacy and minimizing off-target effects.
Target Audience
Xap Therapeutics' primary target audience includes researchers and clinicians focused on developing advanced cell therapies for cancer, autoimmunity, and other serious diseases.
Features
- CRISPR-based genome editing to engineer iPSCs into universal cell platforms.
- Synthetic biology-driven design of modular chassis cells for targeted drug delivery.
- Engineered receptors for precise recognition of disease-specific targets.
- Controlled release mechanisms for therapeutic payloads, including cytokines, antibodies, and nucleic acids.
- Multi-modal therapies designed to address complex diseases like cancer and autoimmunity.