Regulatory T cells are a specialized subpopulation of T cells that actively control immune system responses and prevent immune-mediated diseases. Regulatory T cells can be isolated from a patient’s own blood following a leukapheresis procedure, expanded outside the body to increase their number and function, and then given back to the patient for treatment of a variety of serious immune-mediated diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease and asthma.
John Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Argos Therapeutics, said: “The licensing agreement with Therakos will enable accelerated development of an asset outside our primary focus, while providing Argos with non-dilutive financial resources. This transaction further demonstrates our ability to leverage Argos’ leading immunotherapy science both through our own programs as well as through collaborations with select corporate partners.”