Biotech disruptor pushes cancer-targeting cell and gene therapies beyond boundaries

SPH Cell is recognised as one of the leading companies advancing next generation allogeneic cell therapies: the development and patenting of a proprietary method for isolating and expanding invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells. This breakthrough has the potential to make CGT more scalable and accessible for hundreds of millions of patients. “We are not merely chasing market share,” Zhang adds. “We aim to develop a niche that maximises the benefits of our technology for patients.”

“Globally, only a handful of companies are currently working on iNKT allogeneic platforms.” Zhang says. “We chose a pathway distinct from their approaches.”

SPH Cell’s most advanced CGT asset, CD19 CD22 dual CAR T (B019), is currently in Phase I clinical trials for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia, as well as non-Hodgkin lymphoma in adults in China. To date, SPH Cell has two innovative CGT products in Phase I trials and up to ten additional candidates in early-stage clinical studies. “As a clinical-stage subsidiary of SPH, we’re distinguished by our “a factory in hospital” model and the readiness for first-in-human trials,” Zhang notes.

Cross-border collaboration

A unique advantage of SPH Cell lies in its model of “R&D in Hong Kong, clinical translation in Shanghai,” says Zhang. “My goal is to bridge the gap between the benchtop research and bedside clinical studies.”

SPH Cell has a research laboratory in Hong Kong Science Park and possesses a cell processing and manufacturing facility inside Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital. It also co-manages a Pediatric Cell Therapy Center with Shanghai Children’s Medical Center which was built and funded by SPH. This cross-border model accelerates the transformation of scientific discoveries and facilitates clinical translation.

“We leverage the best resources in both cities. Hong Kong is the most internationalised city in China and has excellent infrastructure in both education and finance. We can easily recruit top talents because the city hosts five universities ranked among the top 100 globally. Hong Kong also supports a free flow of information and money, which is essential for R&D,” Zhang says. “Shanghai, on the other hand, provides access to some of the best hospitals in the mainland. In addition, with a strong support of SPH, we have stronger capabilities in resource integration and project promotion across the region.”

This connection and collaboration yielded a major technological breakthrough: the discovery of iNKT cells for allogeneic platforms. SPH Cell subsequently developed its proprietary method to isolate and expand iNKT cells, now used as the foundation for safe, scalable, and truly ‘off-the-shelf’ cancer immunotherapies.

“This breakthrough opens the door to faster, safer, and more effective treatments, while enabling us to scale them for broader patient access,” Zhang says.

SPH Cell’s proprietary method can generate large numbers of T cells preserved frozen in liquid nitrogen. “Whenever patients need treatment, we can thaw one bag. The cells remain energetic and ready,” Zhang notes. This capability ensures both validity and durability, reinforcing SPH Cell’s vision of delivering accessible, next-generation immunotherapies worldwide.

Keep Up with patient-centricity

SPH Cell’s goal is to stay ahead of scientific progress while executing with discipline, Zhang says. “We continuously adapt to new discoveries, regulatory landscapes, and patient needs without losing sight of our core mission: to deliver transformative cell-based therapies.”

Looking ahead, Zhang envisions a future where cell-based therapies are accessible, scalable, and transformative. “Our vision is to integrate cutting-edge science with disciplined clinical development, positioning Hong Kong, China, and the Asia Pacific region at the forefront of global biotech innovation.”

Resources and photo by : SPH Biotherapeutics