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Gritstone bio

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American biotechnology company

Gritstone bio was a clinical-stage American biotechnology company which attempted to develop cancer and infectious disease immunotherapies and vaccines. It was founded in August 2015 as Gritstone Oncology, Inc., with offices in Emeryville, California.

In September 2021 it raised $55.0 million from the sale of 5,000,000 shares.

It started a Phase 1 trial of its self-amplifying mRNA second generation SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, GRT-R910, in the NIHCR Manchester Clinical Research Facility at Manchester Royal Infirmary, in September 2021. This is to explore the ability of GRT-R910 to boost and expand the immunogenicity of AstraZeneca's first-generation COVID-19 vaccine AZD1222 (Vaxzevria) in healthy adults of more than 60 years. It uses lipid nanoparticles to deliver a broad set of antigens against SARS-CoV-2 that includes both stabilized spike protein and highly conserved viral protein regions containing T cell epitopes. Prof. Andrew Ustianowski is the study’s chief investigator.

On 10 November 2021, Gritstone announced positive preclinical data of its second-generation self-amplifying mRNA (SAM) vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 in non-human primate models.

It is involved in a Phase 1/2 study, in collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb, in 26 patients with metastatic solid tumors.

In October 2024, Gritstone filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in efforts to move forward with its "strategic alternatives process". The company is looking for a stalking-horse bid that would allow for the company to continue operating.

On December 31, 2024, Andrew Allen, M.D., Ph.D., co-founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Gritstone Bio, stepped down from his role following the company's asset sale. Dr. Allen's departure, along with other key executives, marked a significant shift in Gritstone Bio's leadership. The resignations included:

Matthew Hawryluk, Ph.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer Erin E. Jones, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Karin Jooss, Ph.D., Executive Vice President and Head of Research and Development In the interim, Vassiliki “Celia” Economides assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer while maintaining her position as Chief Financial Officer, with no changes to her compensation.

Dr. Allen’s exit has drawn attention due to his influential role in shaping Gritstone Bio’s strategy since its inception. This transition also invites comparisons to his prior tenure at Clovis Oncology, where he held leadership positions and contributed to the company’s development pipeline before departing to co-found Gritstone. Observers have noted parallels in the challenges faced by both companies during his involvements.


References

  1. "Gritstone Announces Private Placement Financing of $55.0 Million". Globe Newswire. 16 September 2021. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
  2. "Early trial of multivariant COVID-19 vaccine booster begins in Manchester". ManchesterUniversity. 20 September 2021. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
  3. "Gritstone Bio Doses First Volunteer In Phase 1 Trial Of GRT-R910 As COVID-19 Vaccine Booster". Nasdaq. 20 September 2021. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
  4. "Trial of first COVID-19 variant-proof jab begins in UK". Arab News. 21 September 2021. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
  5. "Gritstone Announces Positive Preclinical Data in Non-Human Primate Challenge Study with Second-Generation COVID-19 Vaccine Against SARS-CoV-2". GlobeNewswire News Room (Press release). 2021-11-10. Retrieved 2021-12-06.
  6. "Gritstone Announces Dosing of First Solid Tumor Patient with Optimized SLATE "Off-the-Shelf" Mutant KRAS-directed Neoantigen Immunotherapy in Phase 2 Clinical Trial". Global Newswire. 17 September 2021. Retrieved 22 September 2021.

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