Asgard Therapeutics’ €2.5M EIC Transition project, Repro-TIL

Asgard Therapeutics was awarded a €2.5 million grant by EIC Transition for the ‘Repro-TIL’ project, which will advance TIL-based immunotherapy using Asgard’s proprietary dendritic cell reprogramming technology. The project began in June 2025 and will run for 3 years. We heard from Fábio Rosa, PhD, Co-Founder and VP of Research, on project impact and initial progress, and the collaboration with Catalyze from successful submission to ongoing project management for Repro-TIL.

Pictured: The Repro-TIL project consortium. Fábio Rosa, front centre-left.

Asgard Therapeutics (Sweden) is pioneering direct cell reprogramming for cancer immunotherapy

In their EIC Transition project, Repro-TIL, Asgard is collaborating with Lund University and Herlev Hospital to improve neoantigen-specific Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) therapies using their proprietary dendritic cell reprogramming technology initially developed at Lund University. The project’s multidisciplinary consortium brings together expertise in cell fate reprogramming, translational immunotherapy, adoptive cell therapy (ACT) manufacturing, regulatory and clinical strategy, and business development.

Solid tumors present a significant challenge in oncology due to the limited efficacy of current therapies and resistance to immunotherapies like checkpoint blockade. Herlev Hospital has been at the forefront of ACT using TILs, which has shown promise in immunogenic tumors such as melanoma. However, broader success has been hindered by inefficient TIL expansion, T-cell exhaustion, and low tumor reactivity. These limitations result in inconsistent outcomes and slow clinical adoption.

Repro-TIL will establish a first-in-class platform for selective expansion of neoantigen-specific, tumor-reactive TILs

The Repro-TIL project aims to address these challenges by establishing a first-in-class platform designed to selectively expand neoantigen-specific, tumor-reactive TILs. The Repro-TIL approach enhances the production of activated, tumor (neo)antigen-reactive TILs, offering a more effective immunotherapy for solid tumor patients. Repro-TIL will focus on completing preclinical validation and CTA-enabling studies to reach TRL6.

Fábio comments on the impact of securing the EIC Transition funding:“Securing EIC Transition funding supports Asgard Therapeutics in expanding the clinical application of our proprietary cell reprogramming platform beyond the primary use of our lead program, AT-108. Repro-TIL demonstrates how AT-108 can be applied not only as a therapeutic agent but also to enhance TIL tumor reactivity through the addition of a single step in the current manufacturing process. This funding enables advancing the project towards CTA-enabling studies, highlighting the versatility and translational potential of our platform.”

Fabio adds, “The project has kicked off successfully with a highly engaged consortium, and our first in-person meeting in Lund provided an excellent opportunity to align on progress and next steps.”

Collaborating with Catalyze towards multiple EIC and Eurostars awards

Catalyze and Asgard Therapeutics have enjoyed a lasting collaboration towards multiple successful grant applications to competitive European programmes, including EIC Pathfinder and EIC Transition. In addition, the Catalyze team provides support with Project Management services, including for Repro-TIL.

Fabio shares, “We have collaborated with Catalyze across multiple projects, including Eurostars and EIC Pathfinder, and they have a strong understanding of Asgard’s core reprogramming technology. Catalyze helps translate our innovative therapeutic concepts into clear, compelling grant proposals that align with funding requirements and maximize success.

“They also support project execution, including project management for this EIC Transition project, helping track milestones and coordinate activities so our team can focus on advancing the science and product development.”

To learn more about Asgard Therapeutics, visit their website