Montreal-Developed leukemia Therapy Approved in Europe, Awaits Canadian Green Light
A groundbreaking cell therapy for blood cancers, developed by researchers at the University of Montreal, has received approval in Europe but remains unavailable to Canadian patients. zemcelpro, as the therapy is known commercially, is the first cell therapy authorized in Europe to treat blood cancers in patients lacking compatible donors.The therapy, rooted in research initiated in 2014 at the University of Montreal’s Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancerology (IRIC), utilizes stem cells from umbilical cords to “reset” the blood factory in patients with aggressive, previously incurable blood cancers like acute leukemia. Researchers Dr. Guy Sauvageau and chemist Anne Marinier co-discovered the molecule central to the treatment. “This is an significant step, because it is one of the most demanding markets in terms of biomedical standards. We have developed a file of around 20,000 pages to obtain all the authorizations,” stated Dr. Sauvageau.
UM171 – referencing the University of Montreal - offers a possibly curative option for patients excluded from customary stem cell transplants.The innovative approach involves grafting leukemic patients with umbilical cord stem cells, which can differentiate into various blood cell types based on signals received. Clinical trials have demonstrated promising results over the past decade.
Dr. Sauvageau envisions potential applications beyond the most severe cases. “Currently, we are limiting ourselves to the most extreme cases, but nothing prevents you from thinking that one could be prosperous with other forms of leukemia.” The therapy represents a new class of cellular transplants, expanding treatment options for a wider range of patients.
