Cimeio Therapeutics

Cimeio Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing novel cell therapies based on its proprietary Shielded-Cell & Immunotherapy Pairs (SCIP) platform. The company's technology involves genetically engineering cell surface receptors with single amino acid substitutions, allowing cells to maintain their function while resisting depletion by paired immunotherapies. Cimeio's approach aims to improve hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplants and adoptive cell therapies for genetic diseases, hematologic malignancies, and autoimmune disorders.

The company's SCIP platform utilizes genome editing to insert novel protein variants into hematopoietic stem cells or other cell types. This enables the cells to resist depletion by antibodies, T-cell engagers, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and CAR-T cells in preclinical studies. Cimeio has demonstrated proof-of-concept for its technology with multiple targets, including CD117, CD123, CD45, and CD33.

A key focus for Cimeio is developing more efficient and safer targeted conditioning regimens for HSC transplantation and gene therapies. In May 2024, the company published findings in Nature showing that its CD45 antibody-drug conjugate could eradicate aggressive leukemic cells while preserving hematopoiesis through the use of shielded HSCs. This approach represents a potentially universal therapy for blood cancers like acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Cimeio's technology is based on discoveries made in the lab of company co-founder Lukas Jeker at the University of Basel. The company holds key patents covering its cell shielding methods and SCIP platform. Cimeio is advancing its first programs toward clinical development, with a focus on genetic and malignant hematologic diseases.