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RephImmune Biotechnology: Oncology Startup Chosen For SCbioDrive Accelerator Program

SOUTH CAROLINA – October 14, 2024 – RephImmune Biotechnology, from Taipei, Taiwan, is a preclinical-stage startup specializing in fully self-innovated engineered cellular immunotherapy to combat solid tumors. RephImmune is developing a novel cell therapy called RACE to provide late-stage cancer patients, who are running out of treatment options, with a low-dose, single-administration treatment that is more efficient, safer and long-lasting. Unlike convention CAR-T, RACE offers a more potent and balanced immune response by bypassing conventional T cell signaling pathways.

Solutions

RephImmune Biotechnology’s unique design integrates BiTE benefits with proprietary transmembrane and intracellular domains from its regeneration biology platform. RACE not only addresses major CAR-T limitations, but also introduces a novel approach to solid tumors, showing promising pre-clinical results —a significant advancement from traditional cell therapies. Focusing on solid tumors, particularly late-stage ovarian cancer, RACE exhibits superior in vivo efficacy and notable safety. This innovative product paves the way for transformative advancements in cancer immunotherapy, positioning RephImmune at the forefront of the field.

Strengths

  • Innovative Therapy:
    • Pioneering RACE technology that integrates BiTE antibody therapy with proprietary cell activation, offering a novel approach to solid tumor treatment.
  • Unique Platform:
    • Utilizes a regeneration biology platform to develop fully synthetic, never-before-seen protein domains, overcoming traditional CAR-T limitations.
  • Scientific Advancement:
    • Avoids conventional signaling pathways, reducing scientific and patent constraints and enabling more versatile applications.
  • Broad Market Material:
    • Targets a substantial market with a Serviceable Obtainable Market (SOM) of $9.7 billion in the U.S. and Taiwan for late-stage cancer treatments.

Meet the Co-Founders

From left to right:

Ming-Wei Chen, Ph.D. – Founder and CEO | RephImmune Biotechnology

Fangheng Zhou, B.S. – Co-founder and CTO | RephImmune Biotechnology

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Paige Durham

SCbio is pleased to welcome Paige Durham to the team as communications coordinator to creatively and effectively communicate the value of the life science association’s programs and initiatives.

Durham will be responsible for developing and distributing high-quality content across multiple communications channels to build, advance and grow South Carolina’s life sciences industry, a key business sector for economic prosperity for the Palmetto State.

“SCbio is excited to welcome Paige to our team as our new communications coordinator. Paige brings fresh ideas and a strong background in communications that will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our engagement with our audience,” said SCbio President and CEO James Chappell. “We are confident that her skills and experience will be crucial in advancing our communication strategies and supporting our mission.”

Before joining SCbio, Durham was the Membership and Communications Manager at the South Carolina Pharmacy Association (SCPhA), where she used her photography, design and writing skills to create content tailored to pharmacy professionals. Durham’s effective communication skills guaranteed the delivery of brand-specific material that captured the eye of her audience.

During her time at SCPhA, Durham created and edited the Palmetto Pharmacist Journal, using her creative vision to showcase members, educational institutions and industry news. Her communications efforts successfully gained new followers for the organization over the course of a year, increasing brand visibility and promoting the pharmacy profession.

Durham holds a Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the College of Charleston.

Tamia Sumpter

Tamia is a driven senior undergraduate Bioengineering student currently enrolled at Clemson University. With a strong foundation in her field, she has honed her skills through hands-on experience in research and development at Eli Lilly & Company. During her time in the ADME department, Tamia contributed significantly by working on siRNAs and their applications in finding In Vitro-In Vivo Correlation (IVIVC). Looking ahead, Tamia has set her sights on a promising career in law. She aspires to specialize in Intellectual Property Law, with a particular focus on serving as in-house counsel for leading medical device or pharmaceutical companies. Her enthusiasm for this role is palpable as she prepares to embark on her legal journey! She is also a proud member of the Omicron Phi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., PEER Mentor for Clemson PEER/WiSE, and currently serves as the President of Clemson Bioengineering Organization (CBO). With her unique blend of scientific knowledge and legal interests, Tamia is poised to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare and life sciences industries.