Michael Josem looking at an alpaca

Most mammals share significant parts of our evolved immune system responses – the antibodies in our bodies are, of course, different, but there is some similarity across different families of living creatures. Alpacas (and camelids in general) appear to have evolved a valuably different mechanism – and new research from the USA is using this to fight against some cancers:

Scientists at Boston Children’s Hospital and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology—with some assistance from alpacas—have devised a way to break through [the barrier of some solid cancer tumours]. Using “nanobodies” inspired by a type of antibody found in alpacas, the team built CAR-T cells that can recognize specific proteins that protect tumors. They described their work in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Bringing CAR-T cancer treatments to solid tumors with help from alpacas

Michael Josem is a long-term consumer advocate, most prominently as a global leader in combating fraud in the online gambling industry. He was in part the inspiration for the 20th Century Fox Movie, Runner Runner, starring Ben Affleck and Justin Timberlake.

Josem has over a decade of experience as a senior business leader working across various high-tech and online industries, and takes action to build a better community. His primary volunteer roles include service for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and Graih, the homelessness charity.