Leading the FightAgainst Solid Tumors
About Us
Pioneering Novel Approaches
to Deliver on the Promise of TILs
At Turnstone, our mission is to develop new medicines to treat and cure patients with solid tumors.
Solid tumors present a major burden to society, with high mortality and poor outcomes associated with more advanced disease. Approved immunotherapies represent a significant advancement in the treatment of solid tumors, but many patients either do not respond or experience relapsed disease following an initial response. We believe the most significant challenge to creating curative immunotherapies in these patients is the low numbers of T cells that can recognize and attack the tumor, which we refer to as tumor‑reactive T cells.
To address this problem, we are pioneering a differentiated approach to tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, or TILs. We are developing next-generation TIL therapies by selecting the most potent (meaning able to mediate an anti-tumor response) and tumor-reactive T cells, which we refer to as Selected TILs. We are developing next-generation TIL therapies for potential treatment across multiple solid tumors.
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One Turnstone
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One Focus
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One Fight
Leadership
Experienced Team of
Leaders and Innovators
Turnstone has assembled a seasoned management team, an accomplished Board of Directors and a distinguished Scientific Advisory Board whose contributions to science have meaningfully advanced the field and helped inform our understanding of the relationship between cancer and the immune system.
Our passionate team of leaders comprises world-renowned professionals with deep expertise in TILs, cell therapy, tumor immunology, innate and adaptive immunity, oncolytic viruses, and in the discovery and development, manufacturing, and business and commercial development of complex biologics.
Sammy Farah, PhD, MBA
President & Chief Executive Officer
Stewart Abbot, PhD
Chief Scientific Officer
Saryah Azmat
Chief Business Officer
Mike Burgess, MBChB, PhD
Interim Chief Medical Officer
P. Joseph Campisi, Jr., Esq.
Chief Legal Officer
Vijay Chiruvolu, PhD
Interim Chief Technology Officer
Venkat Ramanan, PhD
Chief Financial Officer
David Stojdl, PhD
SVP, Discovery Research
Chad Green, PhD
SVP, Technical Operations
TJ Langer
SVP, Cell Therapy Development and External Innovation
Adina Pelusio
SVP, Clinical Operations
Karen Major
VP, Regulatory
George Smith, MBA, PhD
VP, Cell Therapy Business Operations
Jerel Davis, PhD
Chairman & Director
Versant Ventures
Mike Burgess, MBChB, PhD
Executive Director
Turnstone Biologics
Sammy Farah, PhD, MBA
Director
Turnstone Biologics
Robert Gould
Director
Fulcrum Therapeutics
Rishi Gupta, JD
Director
OrbiMed
Patrick Machado
Director
Former CFO/CBO Medivation
Kanya Rajangam, MD, PhD
Director
Senti Biosciences
Jeff Courtney
In Memoriam
Our Approach
Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are a type of cell therapy that harness the patient’s own immune cells to target their own tumors. TIL therapy involves the isolation of lymphocytes from the patient’s tumor, expansion of the isolated cells outside the body, and then infusion of the cells back into the patient. TILs have the ability to penetrate, recognize, and kill cancer cells and offer potential to treat or cure solid tumors.
Turnstone’s next-generation Selected TILs have the potential for treatment of multiple solid tumors. Our innovative Selected TIL approach focuses on selecting and expanding the most potent tumor-reactive T cells to overcome the limitations of bulk TILs. This approach is grounded in work conducted in academia that demonstrated improved clinical responses for Selected TILs in solid tumors. We are leveraging this work to establish a standardized manufacturing process for large scale production of our Selected TILs.
Our Selected TIL approach employs the following foundational principles with the goal of yielding the greatest number and proportion of tumor-reactive T cells in our TIL products:
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Unbiased identification of patient-specific tumor antigens.
We seek to identify the most comprehensive set of patient-specific tumor antigens. We use an unbiased identification process that aims to find and capture the greatest diversity of antigens with the potential to drive the most robust T cell response. Our proprietary approach is unlike other TIL products that are biased toward a specific subset or class of antigen(s), which may miss relevant tumor antigens or focus on the wrong targets.
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Selection of greatest breadth of tumor-reactive T cells from patient extracted TILs.
Our goal is to capture and isolate the greatest number and proportion of a patient’s tumor-reactive T cells that have the potential to attack and destroy heterogeneous solid tumors. We aim to select the greatest diversity of T cells by using a function-based screening process that confirms reactivity to the identified patient-specific tumor antigens rather than relying on a bioinformatics-based prediction algorithm that may not be truly predictive.
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Expansion of tumor-reactive T cells and removal of non-tumor-reactive bystander cells.
We expand our selected tumor-reactive TIL population to magnitudes consistent with bulk TIL products and actively remove unnecessary bystander cells. This selective expansion resulted in a substantially higher proportion of tumor-reactive T cells in the final product, which we believe will result in targeted tumor killing.
Our Superior Killing Virus, or SKV Vaccinia, is derived from the Copenhagen strain of vaccinia that exhibits powerful oncolytic activity in human tumors and we have engineered the viral backbone to develop a highly potent viral immunotherapy. The SKV Vaccinia backbone modifications were specifically designed and selected to support:
- Enhanced immune activation through removal of immunosuppressive genes
- Highly selective tumor targeting for increased potency and safety
- Delivery of multiple transgenes to encode for specific functions
- Optimized viral spread and infection in the tumor
- Systemic and intra-tumoral (IT) administration
RIVAL-01, our lead clinical stage viral immunotherapy program, being developed in partnership with Takeda, utilizes the inherent activity of the SKV Vaccinia backbone and includes a rationally selected payload combination designed to further drive oncolytic and immune-mediated killing of the tumor. The three key payloads encoded in RIVAL-01 include:
- Flt3L, a growth factor to support the differentiation and expansion of highly relevant antigen-presenting dendritic cells which are critical for anti-tumor immune response
- IL-12, a pro-inflammatory cytokine to promote T-cell cytotoxicity, activate innate immune cells and minimize immunosuppression
- Anti-CTLA-4, an antibody that inhibits CTLA-4-mediated immunosuppression and downregulation of T-cell activation
We believe that Turnstone is strongly positioned to be a leader in leveraging viral immunotherapy to further increase the activity of our TIL therapies, if approved.
Viral immunotherapy is a therapeutic modality with widespread potential to drive and modulate immune responses to solid tumors. Many viruses have inherent oncolytic activity that can be modulated through genetic engineering. These viruses preferentially infect, replicate within, and kill malignant tumor cells, and can induce broad immune responses. Viral immunotherapies are designed to convert immunologically unresponsive “cold” tumor microenvironments to more reactive “hot” tumor microenvironments and thereby enhance the activity of other immunotherapies.
We are initially evaluating viral immunotherapies in combination with our lead Selected TIL product candidate, TIDAL-01, via two approaches:
- Administration of virus prior to TIL extraction to optimize TIL harvest and broaden applicability to additional tumor types with low immune cell infiltration, and
- Administration of virus following treatment with TIDAL-01 to optimize TIL trafficking and infiltration into solid tumors and to support the anti-tumor functions of infiltrating immune cells.
Scientific Resources
Explore academic selection strategies that have demonstrated clinical proof of concept, relevant to Turnstone’s differentiated approach to TIL therapy:
Learn more about our scientific and clinical research, and the potential of Turnstone’s Selected TIL therapy in a broad range of solid tumors:
Pipeline
Designed to Shift the Paradigm
for the Treatment of Solid Tumors
We are applying our Selected TIL approach for the potential treatment of a wide range of solid tumors. We are developing a broad pipeline aimed at improving outcomes for patients with cancers, as illustrated in the chart below.
| Program | Product Overview | Key Indications | Preclinical | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | Phase 3 | Next Anticipated Milestone | |
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| Selected TILs | ||||||||
| TIDAL-01 | Tumor-reactive selected TILs |
Breast Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Uveal Melanoma |
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Initial clinical data in mid-2024 | ||||
| Cutaneous Melanomas, Non-cutaneous Melanomas |
+ Moffitt Collaboration*
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| Combination with viral immunotherapy |
Solid Tumors |
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IND submission | |||||
| TIDAL-02 | Selected TILs with next- gen manufacturing and TIL quality enhancements |
Solid Tumors |
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IND submission | ||||
| Selected TILs | |||
| Preclinical | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | Phase 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
TIDAL-01Tumor-reactive selected TILs +
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TIDAL-01Tumor-reactive selected TILs 
+
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TIDAL-01Combination with viral immunotherapy |
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TIDAL-02Selected TILs with next-gen manufacturing and TIL quality enhancements |
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Partners
Optimizing Technological Innovations
Through Strategic Partnerships
We are backed by successful top-tier life science and biotech investors committed to Turnstone’s growth, and have forged select collaborations with key academic institutions, major biopharmaceutical companies, elite researchers and prominent international cancer medical centers to support the development of our next-generation Selected TIL and immunotherapy pipeline.
Together with our strategic partners, we are devoted to delivering transformative therapies to the millions of cancer patients underserved by current treatment options.
Key Collaborators
In November 2022, Turnstone announced a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to study TIL therapy in novel combinations with viral immunotherapy.
In July 2022, Turnstone announced a strategic alliance with Moffitt Cancer Center focused on the development of Turnstone’s pipeline of tumor-reactive selected TILs targeting solid tumors.
In April 2022, Turnstone announced a TIL therapy research collaboration with CRCHUM to develop novel strategies for tumor-reactive T-cell selection in Turnstone’s TIL therapy candidates against solid tumor indications.
News
Careers
Empowering Our People
to Drive Science Forward
Turnstone is committed to true innovation, fearless execution and operational excellence. Our team work with an unrelenting sense of urgency to fulfill our mission. Our decision-making is driven by bold science and our therapeutics are designed with the patient at the forefront of our thoughts.
We continue to build a values-driven organization that embraces diversity, equity, and recognizes that the sum of our parts drives more success than any single individual. Our talented people and deeply ingrained culture are vital elements in maintaining our competitive edge in the vast biotech universe and key to unlocking the full potential of cancer immunotherapy.
If you are passionate about making a difference for patients and are excited by our mission and science, Turnstone might just be for you.
Team Opportunities
Turnstone Biologics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing new medicines to treat and cure solid tumors by pioneering a differentiated approach to TIL therapy. Turnstone’s innovative TIL therapy is based upon the identification, selection, and expansion of the most potent tumor-reactive T cells, known as Selected TILs, and is designed to overcome the limitations of first-generation bulk TILs that have demonstrated objective responses only in limited tumor types. Turnstone’s most advanced program, TIDAL-01, is currently being evaluated in two Phase 1 studies in patients with melanoma, breast cancer and colorectal cancer, and the Company is also actively advancing its preclinical pipeline programs including TIDAL-02, its next Selected TIL program, and its TIDAL-01 and viral immunotherapy combination program.
At Turnstone, the science drives decision-making and our therapeutics are designed with the patient foremost in mind. We continue to build a world-class, high-performing company that embraces being a learning organization with a sense of urgency. Imagine coming to work every day where over-communication, transparency, teaching, listening, asking, thinking, working hard, and having fun are normal – actually, expected? Imagine having a coach, mentor, peers, and partners where candid feedback, self-improvement, risk taking, failing, learning from that failing, and succeeding thereafter are what we call ‘another day at Turnstone’? If you are a passionate person, and our science excites you – this opportunity may be for you.
Job Description:
Turnstone Biologics is seeking a driven and experienced Process Engineer to support the Manufacturing Science & Technology Team (MSAT). This successful candidate will support the Turnstone manufacturing network by providing technical and scientific support of the TIDAL-01 operations process, such as: leading or supporting technology transfers, Person-In-Plant (PIP) support, root cause investigations, impact assessments, process improvements, and process monitoring. The successful candidate should be detail-oriented and enjoy working in a dynamic, high-paced environment to deliver innovative therapies to patients in need.
This is a key position requiring routine interactions, Internal and External Manufacturing Operations, MSAT, Process Development, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, and Supply Chain. The role will support the Turnstone Manufacturing team, based in both Ottawa, CAN and San Diego, California, and external manufacturing partners. As such, flexibility to provide remote support for manufacturing operations is required. In addition, this candidate will support the evaluation of new or future external and internal manufacturing capabilities.
Responsibilities:
• Interact with Manufacturing leadership to influence strategic and technical guidance on ongoing clinical production
• Provide on-site/remote Subject Matter Expert (SME) support for GMP operations at CMOs as Person-In-Plant (PIP)
• Supporting investigations from process deviations and impact assessments, identifying appropriate subsequent CAPAs for clinical MFG productions
• Communicate with upstream Clinical Operations and downstream Clinical Manufacturing teams, ensuring clear flow of communication across the manufacturing lifecycle
• Collaborate with Process Development teams on implementation of process optimizations, and new technology, critical reagents, and materials
• Write and review technical documentation (batch records, SOPs, protocols & reports)
• Author impact assessments in support of deviations and change controls
• Support process related deviations and provide technical support to manufacturing
• Support process improvement activities involving cross-functional teams including Manufacturing, Quality, and Process Development
• Perform risk assessments and investigations including root cause analysis utilizing a systematic approach and industry best practices
• Determine corrective and preventative actions for process-related deviations
• Support technology transfers and execution of verification runs
• Support process FMEA
• Participate and report to a cross-functional development team to advance production activities
• Ensure successful manufacturing production runs by assessing risk, setting preventative measures in place, investigating, and troubleshooting equipment and process issues
Education and Experience:
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- • Bachelor’s degree, in life sciences, engineering or related field and 4+ years of industry experience; Masters degree with 3+ years of experience; PhD and 1+ years of experience
- • 3+ years experience with the manufacturing and operational complexity of cell therapy-based therapeutics such as TIL, CAR-T, TCR, or stem cell products is required.
- • Enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, able to manage competing priorities effectively and adapt to changing priorities
- • Prior experience with GMP manufacturing to enable support of person-in-plant and manufacturing workflows
- • Experience managing external relationships such as CMO partners or clients as a CMO provider, with a mature and thoughtful communication approach to support strong partnerships
- • Be able to travel to perform and complete listed responsibilities.
- • Experience in Process Development, Manufacturing, and/or Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT) for cell or gene therapies preferred
- • Strong communication skills, both written and oral
- • Strong interpersonal skills and a communication style that matches the Turnstone style: respectful, transparent, and constant
- • This role will be formally positioned out of Memphis, TN or San Diego, CA although consideration will be made for remote candidates in North America
The anticipated salary range for this role is $120,000 – $145,000.
To Apply:
Turnstone Biologics welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected will be invited for an interview.
Turnstone Biologics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing new medicines to treat and cure solid tumors by pioneering a differentiated approach to TIL therapy. Turnstone’s innovative TIL therapy is based upon the identification, selection, and expansion of the most potent tumor-reactive T cells, known as Selected TILs, and is designed to overcome the limitations of first-generation bulk TILs that have demonstrated objective responses only in limited tumor types. Turnstone’s most advanced program, TIDAL-01, is currently being evaluated in two Phase 1 studies in patients with melanoma, breast cancer and colorectal cancer, and the Company is also actively advancing its preclinical pipeline programs including TIDAL-02, its next Selected TIL program, and its TIDAL-01 and viral immunotherapy combination program.
Position overview:
Turnstone Bio is seeking a driven and experienced Senior Manager, Logistics to support the Tech Ops Team. This successful candidate will be responsible for cell therapy logistics and global logistics. This role will serve as vendor leader/owner for logistics couriers, carriers, and brokers as well as subject matter expert for international and global trade compliance. This role will report to the Director of Manufacturing & Supply Chain within the Technical Operations department.
The Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
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• Lead cell therapy logistics ensuring that patient starting materials, intermediates, and autologous cell therapy drug product shipments are optimized for speed while maintaining chain of condition and chain of custody/integrity (COC/COI)
• Own and implement workflows, SOPs, forms, and tools to enable logistics of patient starting materials, intermediates, and autologous cell therapy drug product
• Lead global logistics, working with QC, R&D and PAD stakeholders to support their operations with shipment planning and execution
• Lead relationships with logistics partners including couriers, carriers, and brokers
• Lead global logistics network optimization through KPI development and tracking, vendor engagement, and lane mapping and optimization
• Serve as subject matter expertise for global trade compliance including import and export permitting, regulatory agency engagement, labeling and documentation required for interstate and international shipments
Experience:
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– This role can be formally positioned out of our San Diego, CA office or remote
– Willingness to travel up to 10-20% to manufacturing and/or clinical sites
– BS degree in a relevant life sciences, logistics, or supply chain discipline
– 3-5 years experience in cell therapy logistics or clinical supply chain management
– 1-2 years experience in a team and/or cross-functional leadership role
– Experience with early-to-late phases of clinical development and global jurisdictions (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific), preferred
– Experience working with and managing multiple third-party/external partners
– Strong understanding of GxP requirements
– Experience with global trade regulatory bodies (USCBP, USDA, CDC, TSA, FAA, DOT) and standards (labeling, hazardous materials, etc.)
– Experience with shipping technology (trackers, portals) and packaging (cold, low, ultra-low, cryo)
– Strong Microsoft/O365 suite and smartsheet skills, preferred
– Leadership – ability to influence and inspire others towards a common goal
– Teamwork – willingness to lead and willingness to be lead when it’s appropriate
– Positive Attitude – ability to adapt to fast-growing teams and a dynamic working environment
– Communication – must be able to communicate effectively cross functionally with multiple levels in the organization and externally to a diversity of partners
– Growth mindset – constant approach of challenging oneself to learn more, learn faster, and learn better
The anticipated salary range for this role is $125,000 – $145,000.
To Apply:
Turnstone Biologics welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected will be invited for an interview.
Contact
General Inquiries
info@turnstonebio.com
Partner
with Us
bd@turnstonebio.com
Talent Acquisition
hr@turnstonebio.com
Investors & Media
ir@turnstonebio.com
Clinical Trial Inquiries
ct@turnstonebio.com
California
9310 Athena Circle
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La Jolla, CA 92037
USA
(347) 897-5988
Ontario
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Ottawa, ON K1N 5S6
CANADA
(613) 421-8930
