Topic: Calibr-Skaggs

A new metastatic breast cancer trial with a “switchable” CAR-T therapy

The Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines, the drug development division of Scripps Research, announced a milestone in cancer treatment with the dosing of the first patient in a phase 1 trial evaluating CLBR001 + ABBV-461, a modular, switchable chimeric antigen receptor T cell (sCAR-T) therapy in patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer who have no suitable treatment options. This is the first study of the sCAR-T platform in solid tumors. CAR-T therapy has been transformative for patients with hematological malignancies who failed numerous prior treatments. However, conventional CAR-T therapies have not yet been as successful at treating patients with solid tumors. This challenge is what Calibr-Skaggs’ switchable CAR-T cell therapy platform was designed to address.

Precision immunotherapy: How “switchable” CAR-Ts work in cancer and autoimmune diseases

What if we could control powerful CAR-T cell therapies like flipping a switch? At the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines at Scripps Research, we're pioneering a next-generation "switchable" CAR-T (sCAR-T) platform—designed to tackle cancer and autoimmune diseases with greater precision, safety and durability. Traditional CAR-T has been highly successful, but multiple barriers remain: off-target toxicity, T-cell ‘exhaustion’ (weakening of CAR-T cell response over time), and manufacturing challenges restrict the widespread use and application of traditional CAR-T to solid tumors. Our platform features a universal design with antibody-based “switches” that are selective for multiple disease-related targets—increasing specificity while reducing potential off-target effects. Preliminary results from our phase 1 trial in B-cell malignancies are promising, and we're now gearing up to expand into solid tumors and autoimmune conditions. Watch to see how this innovative approach could transform the future of immunotherapy.

Can a “switchable” CAR-T reverse autoimmune diseases—without chemotherapy? | Upcoming clinical trial

CAR-T cell therapy has shown remarkable promise in treating autoimmune diseases by effectively “resetting” the immune system—improving patient outcomes and reducing the need for lifelong immunosuppressive drugs. However, traditional CAR-T therapies require lymphodepletion, a chemotherapy-based process that can lead to significant side effects and limit accessibility. At the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines at Scripps Research, we're advancing a novel “switchable” CAR-T platform designed to eliminate the need for lymphodepletion. This approach may significantly reduce treatment-related toxicity and broaden the availability of CAR-T therapy to a wider patient population. Our upcoming phase 1 clinical trial will evaluate the safety and efficacy of our switchable CAR-T cell therapy (CLBR001) and antibody switch (SWI019) in patients with myositis, systemic sclerosis, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis—with the potential to expand into additional indications in the future.

FDA clears IND for clinical trial testing switchable CAR-T therapy in patients with autoimmune diseases, without chemotherapy

Innovative cellular therapy has potential to treat patients with lupus, systemic sclerosis, myositis and RA without chemotherapy-induced immune suppression.

Shaping the future of medicine

Under the leadership of President and CEO Pete Schultz, Scripps Research is building on this strong scientific foundation to accelerate the impact of fundamental research on human health. In addition to leading the way in curiosity-fueled science, Scripps Research has emerged as a world leader in translational research, including drug discovery and advances in individualized and digital medicine. The Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and the Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI), unique in the nonprofit research sector, are dedicated to turning scientific discoveries into real-world medical advances, including preventative approaches, diagnostics and new medicines.

Rewinding the biological clock

Medicines without borders

Long-acting injectable malaria drug enters first-in-human study

Calibr-Skaggs’ long-acting injectable (LAI) platform transforms oral malaria treatment atovaquone, aiming for protection from malaria for three months.

Calibr-Skaggs announces initial dosing of a first-in-class regenerative lung medicine in a phase 1 trial for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

CMR316 is a once-weekly inhaled, lung-targeted drug designed to precisely expand lung stem cells and regenerate damaged lung tissue. 

Scripps Research advances breakthrough regenerative medicines to reverse aging-related diseases

Scientists at Scripps Research and its drug discovery arm, Calibr-Skaggs, develop first-in-class small molecules to repair damaged tissues of the heart, lungs, joints, and more.