Lunai Bioworks has announced a significant advancement in cancer treatment, achieving complete regression of both primary and metastatic pancreatic tumors in preclinical humanized models. This breakthrough was detailed in a recent publication in the journal Vaccines on November 2, 2025.
The Los Angeles-based company, known for harnessing artificial intelligence in drug discovery, showcased its next-generation immune cell therapy—a second-generation dendritic cell construct. This innovative approach utilizes genetically engineered dendritic cells derived from stem cells, enhancing the body’s immune response against pancreatic cancer, which is notorious for its late diagnosis and resistance to conventional treatments.
The study published in Vaccines outlines how this clinical-grade construct retained its efficacy while advancing in design and manufacturing. The report builds on earlier research that demonstrated the anti-tumor activity of CD34+ hematopoietic stem cell-derived dendritic cells engineered to overexpress specific immune-modulating molecules, including CD40L, CD93, and CXCL13.
The latest findings reveal that Lunai’s next-generation dendritic cell therapy not only triggered robust activation of cytotoxic T cells and natural killer (NK) cells but also led to the complete regression of tumors in both primary and metastatic settings. These outcomes mirror those achieved with Lunai’s original research-grade product.
“This represents an important inflection point as we move from research innovation to clinical translation,” stated David Weinstein, CEO of Lunai Bioworks. “Our vector optimization strategy maintains therapeutic potency while positioning Lunai at the forefront of next-generation cell-based immunotherapies.”
The publication details a robust methodology, indicating that while the allogeneic dendritic cell product has been primarily evaluated in pancreatic cancer models, its therapeutic implications extend to a variety of solid tumors. This versatility could pave the way for broader applications in cancer treatment.
Lunai Bioworks is recognized for its focus on responsible generative biology, utilizing advanced machine learning to redefine therapeutic innovation. The company’s commitment to dual-use risk management aims to balance the rapid development of treatments with the need for societal safeguards.
For those interested, the full article titled “Modified Hematopoietic Stem Cell-Derived Dendritic Cell Therapy Retained Tumor-Inhibitory Function and Led to Regression of Primary and Metastatic Pancreatic Tumors in Humanized Mouse Models” is accessible in Vaccines.
As Lunai Bioworks advances its efforts toward clinical translation, the implications of this research could offer new hope in the fight against one of the deadliest forms of cancer.
