BioOra Welcomes CAR T-Cell Pioneer Professor Carl June to Board of Directors
BioOra, a leading-edge biopharma joint venture between the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research and Bridgewest Ventures, has announced the appointment of world-renowned cell therapy expert Professor Carl June, MD, to its Board of Directors.
Professor June is internationally recognised for his pioneering work in CAR T-cell immunotherapy, a breakthrough treatment that reprograms a patient’s own immune cells to fight cancer. He has been honoured globally for his contributions to science and medicine, most recently as the 2024 Laureate in Life Sciences by the prestigious Breakthrough Prize Foundation.
A Landmark Appointment for BioOra
His leadership helped bring about the first FDA-approved CAR T-cell therapy, transforming the treatment landscape for lymphoma and leukaemia.
“BioOra is using an automated process to produce CAR T-cell therapies,” said Professor June. “This approach to manufacturing introduces efficiency, scalability, and cost savings facilitating access to these lifesaving treatments to New Zealanders. I look forward to helping the company build upon its success both locally and globally.”
Strengthening New Zealand's Role in Global Immunotherapy
BioOra’s automated platform has already been used to deliver CAR T cells to patients in the Malaghan Institute’s ENABLE phase 1 clinical trial. With this foundation, the company is preparing to expand its impact both locally and internationally.
Dr Robert Weinkove, Clinical Director of the Malaghan Institute, welcomed the appointment:
“To have such a leader in CAR T cell therapy lend his extensive scientific, clinical, and commercial expertise to the board of BioOra is a major affirmation of our clinical results and plans with the company.”