Clinical stage biotechnology company developing platform allogeneic gamma-delta T cell therapies for cancer and other indications TC BioPharm (Holdings) PLC (TC BioPharm or the company) (NASDAQ: TCBP) announced on Friday that it is planning to commence Proof of Concept preclinical studies for its lead therapeutic TCB 008, intended to treat monkey pox.

The product, an allogeneic unmodified cell therapy, is made up of activated and expanded gamma delta T (GDT) cells that the firm expects will have applications in treating monkey pox.

The company is likely to partner with a leading Infectious Disease Center or University related with a similar organisation to rapidly advance the Proof-of-Concept and pre-clinical studies.

CEO Bryan Kobel, said, 'There are a number of academic papers highlighting a successful immune response to viral infection being heavily reliant on the presence of gamma delta t-cells. We continue to look at avenues to expand the therapeutic applications for TCB008 and moving into rapid response for aggressive viral infections is an arena we believe our therapeutic can be immediately impactful. The ability to deliver a frozen/thawed product to these patients to prevent not just the death or extended viral infection in these patients, but also potentially slow the spread of the infectious disease and contain the issue from becoming a global pandemic, would represent a massive global opportunity and market size. We look forward to updating investors as we further this program.'