Captain T Cell
Defeating cancer – Captain T Cell GmbH aims to make an important contribution to this ambitious goal through innovative therapies. The key element behind its approach is already reflected in the company’s name: everything revolves around so-called T cells in the human body.
“T cells play a central role in our immune system: they can recognize diseased cells and eliminate them in a targeted manner. Unfortunately, tumor cells can evade this immune surveillance or even impair T-cell function,” explains Dr. Janna Hachmann, COO of Captain T Cell.
This is precisely where the company’s novel TCR-T cell therapies come into play. To fight tumors effectively and sustainably, T cells are equipped in the laboratory with the right “tools” – first and foremost, a specific T-cell receptor. “This enables them to recognize tumor cells that were previously hidden from them,” Hachmann adds.
However, recognizing tumor cells is only the first step. “Because tumor cells can exhaust T cells and limit their activity, we equip them with additional tools. In this way, we improve their activity, resilience, and functional fitness.”
Strong Reasons for Choosing Leipzig
The foundations for this approach were laid more than a decade ago through scientific research. Captain T Cell is a spin-off from the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in Berlin, which is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres. In addition to its headquarters in Schönefeld, the company is now establishing a site in Leipzig. With support from Invest Region Leipzig (IRL), Captain T Cell found suitable premises at the BioCity Campus, which brings together numerous companies and renowned research institutes across an area of approximately ten hectares.
“Leipzig has a growing life sciences cluster and recognized expertise in the development and manufacturing of cell and gene therapies. With Fraunhofer IZI, we have a key partner here,” says Dr. Janna Hachmann, highlighting some of the main reasons for choosing Leipzig.
Another important factor is the support of Technologiegründerfonds Sachsen (TGFS), a well-connected regional investor. “TGFS has extensive experience in the life sciences sector and will support us in the further development of our company.”
COO Dr. Janna Hachmann and CEO Dr. Felix Lorenz
From Research To Practice
The next major step for Captain T Cell is a comprehensive clinical trial program. Starting in 2027, the company’s therapeutic approach is expected to be tested in cancer patients for the first time. The trials will be led by Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, with eight additional clinical centers across Germany also participating.
The lead product, CTC127, for example, is primarily intended for patients with head and neck, ovarian, or bladder tumors. “For many of these patients, the available treatment options are limited, particularly when their disease has continued to progress despite previous therapies. This is precisely where CTC127 aims to provide a new therapeutic option.”
Fraunhofer IZI as an Important Partner
Before this can happen, the patient-specific TCR-T cell products – T cells modified in the laboratory with an engineered receptor – must be manufactured in accordance with strict pharmaceutical quality standards. The key partner for this is the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI in Leipzig, already mentioned by Hachmann. The institute is located in the immediate vicinity of the BioCity Campus – and therefore also close to Captain T Cell.
“We greatly value this collaboration. The IZI team brings a high level of scientific and technical expertise as well as extensive experience. At the same time, our exchange is open and constructive, and we look forward to taking the next important steps together. We are currently working jointly to establish the manufacturing process at IZI and prepare for clinical production,” explains Dr. Janna Hachmann.
She views the Leipzig site as a deliberate strategic expansion for Captain T Cell. “The BioCity Campus provides the conditions a growing biotechnology company needs. It is well connected and embedded in an established life sciences ecosystem. For us, this means close proximity to our collaboration partners in a professional environment where Captain T Cell can operate and grow over the long term.”
Making T-Cell Therapies Accessible to More Patients
Alongside its lead product CTC127, Captain T Cell is continuously advancing its technology platform. The aim is to enable T-cell therapies to become a treatment option for significantly more patients in the future. Backed by renowned national and international investors, the company has access to a total budget of around €20 million – a strong indication of the innovative potential of Captain T Cell’s work.
“We want to take our technologies to the next level and make T-cell therapies more effective, scalable, and accessible to significantly more patients in the long term,” emphasizes Dr. Janna Hachmann.
Photos: Captain T Cell