New cryopreservation method to boost NK cell therapies
Official title: Novel Biocompatible, High-Throughput Cryopreservation Medium and Method for Enhanced Post-Thaw Migration and Cytotoxicity of NK Cells
Funded at Cryocrate, LLC · NIH-11417248 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, safer freezing method aims to keep natural killer (NK) cells alive and effective after thawing to improve cancer-fighting therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cryocrate, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $315,827 |
| NIH project number | 5R33CA302632-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11417248 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients who may receive NK cell-based immunotherapies or participate in future related trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not undergoing NK cell-based therapy or not eligible for early manufacturing-related studies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project develops OdinSol®, a biocompatible freezing medium that helps NK cells survive and function after thawing. It focuses on optimizing the formulation for primary NK cells, creating a GMP-ready production batch, and testing safety and effectiveness in animals. If successful, it could make NK cell therapies more reliable, scalable, and easier to use in patients. The work builds on advances in CAR-T therapy but centers on NK cells as a complementary approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive more effective NK cell therapies with better persistence and tumor-killing activity after thawing.
How similar studies have gone: Previous cell-based therapy work supports the potential of improved cell viability and function after optimized handling, but this specific cryopreservation approach is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Cryocrate, LLC
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Han, Xu — Cryocrate, LLC
- Study coordinator: Han, Xu
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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A safer way to freeze and store cell-based therapies
This project develops a non-toxic freezing solution to help preserve cell and tissue therapies so patients needing regenerative treatments can get higher-quality materials.
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Development of a new safe method for preserving cells for medical treatments
This study is testing a new safe solution called OdinSol® that helps store cells and tissues for treatments like regenerative medicine, making sure they stay healthy and work better without harmful chemicals.
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Improving the storage of immune cells for cancer treatment
This study is testing a new way to safely freeze immune cells used in cancer treatments, which could make it easier for patients to get effective therapies without harmful substances.
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Development of a new kit for preserving corneas for transplantation
This study is testing a new kit called IcyEye® that helps keep donated corneas safe and healthy while they are frozen, so they can be stored for a long time and used effectively, especially during emergencies like pandemics.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.