ASX-listed immuno-oncology company Imugene has penned a licensing patent deal with the California-based cancer research centre, City of Hope, for a novel cancer therapy targeting solid tumours.

This immunotherapy transforms T cells – natural disease fighters in the human immune system – into cancer fighters by extracting them from patients. In the lab scientists then insert structures called CARs (chimeric antigen receptors). Once paired, the turbocharged CAR-T cells produce a protein which allows it to recognise and destroy cancer cells throughout the body.