Cortalix has entered into a New Collaboration with University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands: Development of AI-Guided nano-CAR™ Library for Next-Generation CAR-T Therapy
Cortalix has initiated a public-private research collaboration with the Department of Hematology at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), The Netherlands, to co-develop a next-generation CAR-T cell therapy platform. The project is led at UMCG by Prof. Dr. Edwin Bremer, Director of the Cellular Therapy Laboratory, and is supported through the PPP Innovation Program of Health~Holland.
The collaboration focuses on a new class of CAR constructs based on Cortalix’s proprietary bispecific VHH nanobody technology. At the center of this effort is our newly designed nano-CAR™ library, built using AI-guided selection criteria to optimize key parameters such as structural stability, tumor antigen specificity, and reduced tonic signaling, all essential to improve CAR-T cell persistence and safety.
By combining the nanobody engineering capabilities of Cortalix with UMCG’s advanced Point-of-Care (PoC) CAR-T manufacturing and clinical expertise, the consortium aims to develop versatile, bispecific CAR-T cells capable of selectively engaging multiple tumor-associated antigens. This approach is expected to enhance the therapeutic window and broaden the clinical applicability of CAR-T therapy, including in solid tumors.
The project is scientifically coordinated at Cortalix by Dr. Joost Caumanns, who brings deep expertise in VHH library design and immunotherapy applications.
At Cortalix, we specialize in the discovery, engineering, and application of VHH nanobodies. These are small, high-affinity antibody fragments with exceptional specificity and stability. Using both synthetic and immune libraries, we rapidly generate binders tailored to your target of interest, without relying on animal immunization.
Our proprietary bi- and trispecific nanobody technology allows us to combine multiple VHH domains into a single molecule. This enables more precise targeting of complex disease biology, whether through enhanced tumor discrimination, dual-pathway inhibition, or improved pharmacokinetics. We believe this modular approach is key to unlocking the next generation of biologics in oncology, immunotherapy, and beyond.
We also develop nanobody-based analytical tools, including custom ELISAs and affinity purification assays. These are already in use by clients for robust, target-specific quantification and separation in research and development.
While our peptide-based radiopharmaceutical has entered clinical-stage evaluation, some of our nanobody programs are in advanced preclinical development. With in-house expertise in genetic engineering, CDR grafting, site-specific conjugation, and humanization, we are ready to support your project from discovery to translational application.
For more information about Cortalix: www.cortalix.com
Contact
For Cortalix:
Herman Steen, PhD
CEO Cortalix BV
info@cortalix.com