Event to raise funds Fri., July 25 will share results and map out bold plan to end cancer
WHAT: The University of Minnesota’s Center for Genome Engineering is launching Un-TIL
It’s Cured: The Minnesota TIL Alliance, following a breakthrough clinical trial that used
genetically enhanced tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) to fight cancer. This bold new
initiative unites researchers, clinicians, nonprofits, and industry to accelerate access to life-saving
TIL therapy. “We’ve shown this can work. Now it’s time to expand, fund, and deliver it to more
patients,” says Dr. Beau Webber, Center for Genome Engineering, U of M.
WHEN: A virtual kick-off event takes place on Friday, July 25 at 4:00 PM CT and will feature
major updates on research progress, future trials, and firsthand accounts from patients and
researchers. To register for the webinar, visit here.
WHY: The Minnesota TIL Alliance has reached a major milestone — in a recent clinical trial of
12 patients with gastrointestinal cancers, researchers observed disease stabilization in multiple
cases and complete remission in one patient, who has now been cancer-free for two years. The
TIL therapy was developed and led by Drs. Branden Moriarity and Beau Webber at the
University of Minnesota—a powerful example of world-class research happening locally.
TILs—immune cells already inside tumors—are extracted, genetically upgraded using CRISPR
and other tools, then reinfused to help the patient’s immune system fight back.
WHY THIS IS TIMELY: The team is preparing a new clinical trial targeting sarcoma, ovarian,
and GI cancers, with research already underway and a goal to launch within three years. But they
need funds! The Minnesota TIL Alliance is raising $5 million by the end of 2025 to fund this
next wave of clinical trials and expand access to its promising therapy.
WHO WILL BE INTERESTED: Everyone is welcome, including journalists, philanthropic
foundations, donors, and health investors, medical professionals, researchers, and biotech
industry leaders, as well as cancer advocates, patients, and families who want to be part of the
solution.
MEDIA INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE: Media outlets are invited to schedule advance
interviews with lead researchers Dr. Branden Moriarity and Dr. Beau Webber to learn more about
the TIL therapy study, clinical trial results, and future plans. Photos, b-roll, patient stories and
trial data are also available upon request. For more about this groundbreaking work, visit the
Center for Genome Engineering’s website https://med.umn.edu/cge/til
To coordinate interviews or request materials, or to attend the kick-off event in person, please
contact Jennifer Weismann, jennifer@owl-marketing.com, 612-716-0556.
