The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) has announced a significant $125 million investment to bolster its research and accelerate the creation of groundbreaking cancer immunotherapies. This funding represents PICI’s largest commitment since its establishment in 2016.
The investment will fuel PICI’s collaborative research model, establishing seven research centers at leading academic institutions, including Gladstone Institutes, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Weill Cornell Medicine. These centers and founding institutions, such as Stanford University and the University of Pennsylvania, form the PICI Network, fostering collaboration among top-tier cancer research institutions.
PICI’s investment will support research grants distributed over five years to Network researchers. This funding will accelerate groundbreaking research and expand PICI’s reach to world-class cancer centers like Memorial Sloan Kettering, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center.
PICI’s research model emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration and eliminates barriers to scientific progress. It has generated over 440 research projects and clinical trials involving a substantial team of scientists. PICI also supports career advancement for early-career researchers and promotes diversity and inclusion in scientific communities.
In addition to research, PICI has invested in 17 biotech start-ups focused on innovative cancer immunotherapies. Profits from these investments will be reinvested into research grants, creating a sustainable cycle of innovation and discovery.
Recent PICI research breakthroughs highlighted at scientific conferences have demonstrated advances in CRISPR-based immunotherapy, engineered T cells, and glioma vaccines. The $125 million investment will enable PICI to continue driving these scientific breakthroughs and accelerate the development of life-saving cancer immunotherapies.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.