Carleton University today announced the extension of its partnership with Turnstone Biologics (“Turnstone”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation immunotherapies to treat and cure solid tumours. The partnership, renewed for a second term, further supports Carleton’s growing biosciences programs and the development of scientific talent, and augments the university’s expertise in novel oncology research.
“This is an opportune time to extend our partnership with Turnstone as we prepare to launch our Life Sciences 2030 Plan,” said Maria DeRosa, PhD, Dean of Science and Professor in the Department of Chemistry and the Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University. “Our vision of positioning Carleton as the premier Canadian post-secondary institution for training, talent development and research in the life sciences sector is significantly enhanced through our innovative and productive relationship with Turnstone.”
Since 2019, Turnstone has conducted internal development work and sponsored research at Carleton University. The research being undertaken at Carleton includes generating new insights into how cancer therapies regulate immune cells and their effects on new candidate treatments, and how viruses and environmental toxins contribute to the development of chronic diseases. Additionally, representatives of Turnstone have mentored students and participated in life sciences events on campus.
“Carleton University offers a wonderful and vibrant academic community. The partnership with Carleton allows us to interact with a variety of excellent researchers and promising students to create opportunities to collaborate, foster scientific ideas and invest in the brilliant minds of the future,” said David Stojdl, PhD, Scientific Co-Founder, Senior Vice President and Senior Scientific Fellow, Turnstone Biologics.
The extension of the partnership enables Turnstone to continue engaging graduate students and to provide them with support to conduct research in the areas of immunology, microbiology, biochemistry, biotechnology and bioinformatics. The partnership promotes integration with students through Work-Integrated Learning (WIL), job shadowing and experiential education. Graduates will also have the opportunity to closely interact with Turnstone’s researchers to receive guidance and mentorship.
“Talent development is a key objective of this exciting and mutually beneficial research partnership. Together through our partnership, Carleton University and Turnstone are preparing the next generation of life sciences researchers to continue advancing immunotherapies with the aim of improving the survival rate of people with cancer,” said Rafik Goubran, PhD, Vice-President (Research and International) and Chancellor’s Professor, Carleton University.
About Carleton University
Carleton is a dynamic, research-intensive institution that engages in partnerships to address the world’s most pressing issues. The university’s corporate collaborations bring together world-class companies, researchers and a new generation of talent with 32,000 students to deliver innovations and results that are driving a more prosperous, sustainable future.
About Turnstone Biologics
Turnstone Biologics, a clinical stage biotechnology company, is developing new medicines to treat and cure solid tumours by pioneering differentiated approaches with two clinically-validated technologies, tumour infiltrating lymphocyte (“TIL”) therapy and viral immunotherapy. Turnstone’s innovative TIL therapy, which is designed to extend the efficacy of TILs to multiple solid tumour indications by selecting and manufacturing the most potent tumour-reactive T-cells (“Selected TILs”) for tumour eradication, represents the Company’s foundational therapeutic modality driving its cancer immunotherapy pipeline. The Company’s lead Selected TIL therapy candidate, TIDAL-01, is expected to enter clinical trials in 2022. Turnstone is developing additional strategies to further potentiate the clinical benefit of Selected TILs, including use in combination with their novel viral immunotherapy.
For more information, please visit www.turnstonebio.com, and follow Turnstone on LinkedIn.
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Wednesday, August 31, 2022 in News Releases
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