University of Gothenburg - Sahlgrenska Academy
From research to patient: Sahlgrenska Academy, the medical faculty at the University of Gothenburg, has a long tradition of research in advanced therapies. Researchers in Gothenburg have been developing cell-based treatments for several decades, including pioneering work in cartilage repair. This long-standing experience is part of a strong translational research environment at Sahlgrenska Academy, where researchers and clinicians work closely together to bring scientific discoveries towards clinical application.
Cancer immunotherapy
Researchers are exploring different ways of using the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells.
Natural killer (NK) cells are one focus of this research. Researchers investigate how NK cells identify and kill cancer cells, and how these mechanisms can be used to develop improved cancer immunotherapies.
Another approach involves tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) as a personalized immunotherapy for malignant melanoma. TILs are manufactured at the Cell and Tissue Laboratory at Sahlgrenska University Hospital. Patients with ocular melanoma have received treatment in a completed Phase 1 HAITILs clinical trial and process development is underway for the next clinical trial.
Clinical experience with CAR-T cell therapies is also being evaluated, with particular focus on understanding and managing emerging treatment-related side effects.
Regenerative medicine and tissue engineering
In regenerative medicine, the aim is to develop therapies that can repair or replace damaged tissues.
New approaches for treating osteoarthritis combine chondro-progenitor cells with hydrogels, building on Gothenburg’s long experience in cell-based therapies for cartilage repair.
3D bioprinting is another area of research, with technologies being developed to create functional tissues for reconstructive surgery. This includes tissue-engineered urethras for urological applications and adipose tissue for breast reconstruction.
Cell and gene therapies
Advanced cell therapies are already being used in highly specialized clinical care. GMP-produced virus-specific T cells are used under the hospital exemption framework to help transplant patients fight viral infections.
Gene therapy is also being used in pediatric patients with spinal muscular atrophy.
Building ATMP expertise
Education is an important part of Sahlgrenska Academy’s ATMP environment. A new university course in ATMP (BMA123), open to all, gives students, researchers, clinicians and professionals from other sectors opportunities to develop their knowledge of advanced therapies and their use in healthcare.
Looking ahead
Together, these activities create a strong translational environment in which basic research, technological development, clinical expertise, and patient needs come together. Looking ahead, our ambition is to further strengthen the development of new ATMPs and build a sustainable ecosystem in which scientific discoveries can efficiently progress towards clinical application. Through close collaboration we strive to advance precision medicine and develop transformative therapies that can improve the lives of patients with serious diseases.