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Research we fund

Learn more about vital blood cancer research projects currently underway.

Funding from Blood Cancer United can lead to scientific breakthroughs that will improve and save the lives of patients. 

The Blood Cancer United Research Team oversees the organization's research strategy to support cutting-edge research for every type of blood cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.

Take a look at all the currently active, extraordinary Blood Cancer United-funded research projects. 

18 results

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TAP Partner

St. Louis, MO
United States

Therapy Acceleration Program

A phase 2 registration-directed clinical study of Sofi-cel, an allogeneic CAR-T targeting CD7, in patients with T-ALL/T-LBL

In February 2026, TAP made an equity investment in Allotera (formerly Wugen) to "Support Clinical Development of Sofi-Cel in Relapsed/Refractory T-ALL/T-LBL."

Allotera is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing next-generation, allogeneic CAR-T cell therapies for cancer. Allotera's proprietary gene-editing platform is designed to overcome key limitations of first-generation cell therapies, enabling scalable, off-the-shelf treatments with biologics-like cost of goods margins.

Soficabtagene Geleucel (Sofi-cel) is an allogeneic, off-the-shelf, CD7-targeted CAR-T cell therapy engineered to overcome the technological challenges of harnessing CAR-T cells to treat T-cell cancers. Allotera is deploying CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology to delete CD7 and the T cell receptor alpha constant (TRAC) genes, thereby preventing CAR-T cell fratricide and mitigating the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). Sofi-cel is manufactured using healthy donor-derived T cells to eliminate the risk of malignant cell contamination historically observed in the autologous CAR-T setting. Sofi-cel is currently being evaluated in a global pivotal clinical trial for relapsed or refractory T-ALL/T-LBL (NCT06514794).

Sofi-cel has received Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT), Fast Track, Orphan Drug, and Rare Pediatric Disease designations from the U.S. FDA and Priority Medicines (PRIME) Scheme designation in the European Union for the treatment of relapsed or refractory T-ALL/T-LBL. RMAT and PRIME designations provide increased agency support to expedite the development and review of promising therapies for patients in need.

Project Term: February 13, 2026 - TBD

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TAP Partner

Cambridge, MA
United States

Therapy Acceleration Program

A phase 1 study of CBX-250, a TCR-mimetic antibody, in patients with AML, MDS or CMML

In September 2025, TAP made an equity investment in Crossbow Therapeutics to "Support Clinical Development of CBX-250 in Relapsed/Refractory AML, MDS and CMML."

Crossbow Therapeutics is a biotechnology company determined to improve the lives of people with cancer by unlocking the therapeutic potential of T-cell receptor (TCR)-mimetic antibodies. The company’s T-Bolt™ therapies are next-generation, easily assembled immunotherapies directed with high precision at previously unreachable cancer cell targets.

CBX-250 is the first candidate developed through Crossbow’s T-Bolt™ platform, a portfolio of novel TCE molecules that uniquely target peptide-loaded human leukocyte antigen (pHLA) complexes on tumor cells, using antibodies that mimic T-cell receptors (TCR-mimetics). Specifically, CBX-250 targets a cathepsin G pHLA complex, abundantly expressed on leukemic cells, but not normal cells. 

The Phase 1, open-label, dose-escalation CROSSCHECK-001 study is the first clinical trial for Crossbow and the T-Bolt™ platform (NCT06994676). The study is evaluating the safety, tolerability, and preliminary clinical activity of CBX-250 in patients aged 12 years and older with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML), high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (HR- MDS), and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML).

Project Term: September 17, 2025 - TBD

Auron Therapeutics logo

Auron Therapeutics

TAP Partner

Newtown, MA
United States

Therapy Acceleration Program

A phase 1 study of AUTX-703, a KAT2A/B degrader, in patients with AML or MDS

In June 2025, LLS made an equity investment in Auron Therapeutics to "Support Clinical Development of AUTX-703 in Relapsed/Refractory AML and MDS."

Auron Therapeutics is a platform-powered company targeting cell-state plasticity to improve patient outcomes in oncology and inflammatory disease. Auron pioneered its AURIGIN platform, which uses AI and machine learning to compare cell states and identify novel drug targets, optimal development models, and biomarkers to facilitate proper patient selection, ultimately accelerating the development of effective and durable therapies.  

Leveraging its AURIGIN platform, KAT2A/B was identified as a key driver of cell plasticity and disease. AUTX-703 is a first-in-class, oral KAT2A/B degrader and is being evaluated in a Phase 1 dose escalation and dose optimization study in patients with relapsed/refractory AML or MDS (NCT06846606). 

Project Term: June 25, 2025 - TBD

Vittoria Biotherapeutics Logo

Vittoria Biotherapeutics

TAP Partner

Philadelphia, PA
United States

Therapy Acceleration Program

A phase 1 study of VIPER-101, a CD5-edited dual population chimeric antigen receptor cell therapy, to enhance immunotherapy against T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma

In October 2023, LLS made an equity investment in Vittoria to "Support Clinical Development of VIPER-101, a CAR-T Cell Therapy for T-cell lymphomas."

Vittoria Biotherapeutics is developing novel CAR-T cell therapies that transcend the limitations of current cell therapies. Based on technology exclusively licensed from the University of Pennsylvania, Vittoria's proprietary Senza5 platform unlocks the antitumor potential of engineered T cells and utilizes a five-day manufacturing process to maximize stemness, durability, and target cell cytotoxicity. By acting on the fundamental biology of T cells, Senza5 can be used to improve the efficacy of engineered T cell therapies with pipeline applications in oncology and autoimmune diseases.

Vittoria aims to conduct a Phase 1 dose escalation clinical trial for its lead program VIPER-101, an autologous, dual population CD5-knockout CAR-T cell therapy for T-cell Lymphoma featuring the novel Senza5 platform technology. The Phase 1 trial is ongoing to assess the safety and efficacy of VIPER-101 in patients with T-cell lymphomas (NCT06420089).

Project Term: October 31, 2023 - TBD

Enterome logo

Enterome

TAP Partner

Paris
France

Therapy Acceleration Program

A phase 2 trial of EO2463, a novel microbial-derived peptide therapeutic vaccine, as monotherapy, and in combination with lenalidomide and rituximab, for treatment of patients with indolent NHL

In October 2023, LLS made an equity investment in Enterome to "support the ongoing Phase 2 SIDNEY study of EO2463 in indolent non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma."

Enterome is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing breakthrough immunomodulatory drugs for the treatment of cancer and immune diseases. Enterome’s pioneering approach to drug discovery is based on its unique and powerful bacterial Mimicry drug discovery platform, allowing it to analyze and uncover new biological insights from the millions of gut bacterial proteins in constant cross-talk with the human body. Its first-in-class small protein and peptide drug candidates modulate the immune system by closely mimicking the structure, effect or actions of specific antigens, hormones, or cytokines. 

EO2463 is a clinical-stage off-the-shelf OncoMimics™ peptide-based immunotherapy. It combines four microbial-derived OncoMimics™ peptides that closely mimic specific cytotoxic T cell (CD8+ T cell) epitopes in B cell Tumor-Associated Antigens CD20, CD22, CD37, and CD268 (BAFF receptor), as well as a helper CD4 peptide, UCP2. The SIDNEY trial is a multicenter, Phase 2 trial investigating EO2463 in monotherapy and in combination with standard of care - rituximab and rituximab in combination with lenalidomide – for treatment of patients with indolent NHL (NCT04669171).

Project Term: October 24, 2023 - TBD

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ImCheck Therapeutics

TAP Partner

Marseille
France

Therapy Acceleration Program

A phase 2 expansion study of ICT01, an anti-BTN3A monoclonal antibody, in combination with azacitidine and venetoclax in patients with AML

In June 2022, LLS made an equity investment in ImCheck Therapeutics to "Support Clinical Development of the ICT01 Program for Blood Cancer Indications."

ImCheck Therapeutics is designing and developing a new generation of immunotherapeutic antibodies targeting butyrophilins, a novel super-family of immunomodulators.

ICT01 is a humanized, anti-BTN3A (also known as CD277) monoclonal antibody that selectively activates γ9δ2 T cells, which are part of the innate immune system that is responsible for immunosurveillance of malignancy and infections. The EVICTION study is currently enrolling a Phase 2 cohort expansion of ICT01 in combination with azacitidine and venetoclax in patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (NCT04243499).

Project Term: June 13, 2022 - TBD

Biolnvent International Biotech Company Logo

BioInvent International

TAP Partner

Lund
Sweden

Therapy Acceleration Program

A phase 2 study of BI-1808, a monoclonal antibody to TNFR2, as a single agent and in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with solid tumors and CTCL

In January 2023, LLS made an equity investment in BioInvent to "Support Clinical Development of BI-1206 for NHL Indications and BI-1808 for T-Cell Lymphoma Indications Including CTCL."

BioInvent International AB is a clinical-stage biotech company that discovers and develops novel and first-in-class immuno-modulatory antibodies for cancer therapy, with currently four drug candidates in five ongoing clinical programs in Phase 1/2 trials for the treatment of hematological cancer and solid tumors, respectively. The Company's validated, proprietary F.I.R.S.T™ technology platform identifies both targets and the antibodies that bind to them, generating many promising new drug candidates to fuel the Company's own clinical development pipeline and providing licensing and partnering opportunities.

BI-1808 is an anti-TNFR2 antibody being evaluated in a Phase 2 trial, as a single agent and in combination with the anti-PD-1 therapy Keytruda® (pembrolizumab) in patients with ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (NCT04752826).

Project Term: January 17, 2023 - TBD

Faron

Faron Pharmaceuticals

TAP Partner

Turku
Finland

Therapy Acceleration Program

A phase 2 study of Bexmarilimab, an anti-Clever1 monoclonal antibody, in combination with azacitidine in patients with high-risk MDS

In June 2022, LLS made an equity investment in Faron Pharmaceuticals to "Support Clinical Development of the Bexmarilimab Program for Leukemia Indications."

Faron is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel treatments for medical conditions with significant unmet needs caused by dysfunction of our immune system. The Company currently has a pipeline based on the receptors involved in regulation of immune response in oncology, organ damage and bone marrow regeneration. 

Bexmarilimab, a novel anti-Clever-1 humanized antibody, is its investigative precision immunotherapy with the potential to provide permanent immune stimulation for difficult-to-treat cancers through targeting myeloid function. A Phase 2 study (BEXMAB) of bexmarilimab in combination with azacitidine is currently enrolling high-risk MDS patients in the US and Finland (NCT05428969).

Project Term: June 30, 2022 - TBD

Constellation Pharmaceuticals - A MorphoSys Company logo

Constellation Pharmaceuticals

TAP Partner

Cambridge, MA
United States

Therapy Acceleration Program

Development of BET protein bromodomain inhibitors for the treatment of patients with hematologic malignancies

In July 2012, LLS began its partnership with Constellation to support three first-in-human Phase 1 clinical trials for blood cancer patients and the partnership led to the ongoing trial "A Phase 3, Randomized, Double-blind, Active-Control Study of CPI-0610 and Ruxolitinib vs. Placebo and Ruxolitinib in JAKi Treatment Naive MF Patients."

Constellation Pharmaceuticals was a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutics that selectively modulate gene expression to address serious unmet medical needs in patients with cancer. MorphoSys acquired Constellation in July 2021 and continues to enroll patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms in multiple clinical studies.

Pelabresib (CPI-0610) is a small molecule inhibitor of bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins. A Phase 3 clinical trial (NCT04603495) of pelabresib in combination with ruxolitinib for myelofibrosis patients that have not been previously treated with Janus kinase inhibitors completed enrollment.

Project Term: July 31, 2012 - TBD

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Dren Bio

TAP Partner

Foster City, CA
United States

Therapy Acceleration Program

A phase 1 study of DR-0201, a bispecific myeloid engager, in patients with B-NHL

In November 2022, LLS made an equity investment in Dren Bio to "Support Clinical Development of the DR-01 Program for Rare Leukemia & Lymphoma Indications Including Large Granular Lymphocyte Leukemia (LGLL) and Cytotoxic Lymphomas."

Dren Bio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapeutic antibodies for the treatment of cancer, autoimmune and other serious diseases. Dren Bio’s pipeline encompasses two distinct programs, the first focusing on the engineering of antibodies with enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) capabilities and the second revolving around its proprietary Targeted Myeloid Engager and Phagocytosis Platform.

DR-01 is a novel antibody targeting CD94 which is known to be upregulated on LGLL cells. DR-01 functions through depletion of target cells via ADCC by means of fratricide, a method in which the same cell type induces ADCC on each other. A Phase 1/2 trial is ongoing to assess the safety and efficacy of DR-01 in previously treated LGLL patients and cytotoxic lymphomas (NCT05475925).

DR-0201 is a first-in-class bispecific antibody capable of engaging tissue-resident and trafficking myeloid cells to induce deep B cell depletion via targeted phagocytosis. DR-0201 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 study in B-NHL patients (NCT06392477).

Project Term: November 21, 2022 - TBD

Who we fund

Learn more about the inspiring blood cancer scientists we support—and leading biotech companies we partner with— who are working to find cures and help blood cancer patients live longer, better lives. 

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Research Grants

We award grants for studies that range from basic blood cancer research to pioneering clinical trials. For more than seventy years, Blood Cancer United support has been instrumental in the development of the vast majority of breakthroughs in blood cancer treatment. 

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Therapy Acceleration Program ®(TAP)

TAP is a mission-driven, strategic venture philanthropy initiative that seeks to accelerate the development of innovative blood cancer therapeutics and change the standard of care while also generating a return on investment for the Blood Cancer United mission. TAP collaborates with biotech companies to support the development of novel platforms, first-in-class assets addressing high unmet medical needs, emerging patient populations, and orphan indications.

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The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is now Blood Cancer United. Learn more.