On the eve of the International Myeloma Society (IMS) Annual Meeting, Dr. Yongke Zhang, Chief Scientific Officer of IASO Biotherapeutics (IASO Bio), along with a delegation of leading Chinese onco-hematology physicians, visited the Hematology Center at the State University of Campinas (Unicamp) in Brazil. The Chinese delegation, which included renowned physicians such as Professor Lugui Qiu from the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Hematology Hospital and Professor Jie Jin from Zhejiang University, engaged in high-level discussions with Brazilian researchers to explore potential collaborations in the development of innovative therapies for cancer patients.

The Brazilian team, led by experts from CEPID CancerThera, presented key advancements in cancer treatment, including the Theranostic model and CAR-T cell therapy. These therapies have shown promise in improving outcomes for patients with hematological malignancies. In response, the Chinese delegation shared their insights into the therapeutic benefits of CAR-T cell therapy, highlighting its success in treating patients who had previously failed 1-3 lines of conventional therapies, such as protease inhibitors, immunomodulators, and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies.

Key figures from both sides included:

• Claudia Wu (Shamano Group)
• Carmino A. de Souza (CancerThera)
• Francisco Pessine (Unicamp)
• Celso D. Ramos (CancerThera)
• Bruno D. Benites (Hemocentro/Unicamp)
• Yongke Zhang (IASO Bio)

Following productive discussions, the delegation toured Unicamp's lymphocyte collection unit and the Nuclear Medicine Service, which supports the recovery of bone marrow transplant patients. The visit underscored the growing interest in developing future partnerships in biotechnology, healthcare, and research between China and Brazil.

Dr. Carmino Antonio de Souza, an onco-hematologist and lead researcher at CEPID CancerThera, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, "Their primary interest was in understanding our role in CAR-T therapy development, as a large portion of the delegation consisted of hematologists."

Dr. Yongke Zhang echoed this sentiment, stating, "We have a long-standing relationship with Brazil and are now focusing on bringing innovative products such as CAR-T therapy to this region. Our mission is to make these therapies accessible to more patients worldwide."

IASO Biotherapeutics remains dedicated to making curative CAR-T therapies accessible across the globe. The company continues to explore innovative models of collaboration with partners in research, technology, and clinical development to accelerate the global application of CAR-T therapies.