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Technology
DENDRITIC CELLS:
CONTROLLING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM RESPONSE
Dendritic cells capture, process and identify foreign bodies, and alert the body’s
immune response, activating antibodies and T cells to destroy the invaders. Without
dendritic cells being actively engaged, the immune system is like a huge army,
but without a general to lead the defense.
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RNA-Loaded Dendritic Cell Technology
Argos’ core technology is focused on better harnessing the power
of dendritic cells to treat cancer, HIV and other infectious diseases by
loading cells with a patient’s total tumor or viral RNA. This process
triggers an immune response that is 100% relevant for that particular patient,
enabling completely personalized immunotherapy.
Other Technology Platforms
Argos is building on its knowledge of dendritic cells and its expertise
in immunology to develop additional technology platforms with application
for transplantation cases, where donor cells are regarded as foreign
and there is high risk of rejection, and autoimmune disorders, where
an individual’s immune system attacks its own cells, mistaking
them for invaders.
Intellectual Property
Argos’ intellectual property estate surrounding its RNA-loaded dendritic
cell technology includes coverage of two broad technology platforms. The
first set of patents relates to the production of dendritic cells from
dendritic cell precursors, and the second covers the use of RNA as an antigen
platform, whether from defined or undefined antigens. Argos’ intellectual
property patents have been filed in the United States, Canada, Europe,
Australia and Japan.
Argos has secured rights to develop treatments outside
of its core technology as well. Argos and Beckman Coulter signed an agreement
in April 2006 granting Argos exclusive therapeutic use rights for the soluble
protein, CD83, including use as a therapy for autoimmune disorders and
transplant rejection.
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