STRIKE (Selective Tumor-Reactive Immune Killer Effectors): Precision Immune Ordnance for Tumor Eradication

 

PI: Jacques Galipeau, professor of Medicine

Co-Investigators:

Jose Ayuso, assistant professor of Dermatology

Junjie Hu, assistant professor of Computer Sciences

Doug McNeel, professor of Medicine

Sandro Mecozzi, professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Zach Morris, professor of Human Oncology

Manish Patankar, professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology

Description: The STRIKE collaborative targets cancer cure and improved human health. STRIKE unites junior and senior faculty across medicine, pharmacy, engineering and Computer, Data & Information Sciences —many collaborating for the first time—to create a new interdisciplinary model for developing cell and gene therapies for cancer. Leveraging UW–Madison’s strengths in oncology and in-house, FDA-aligned manufacturing, the team will establish a unique academic niche: translating discoveries into investigational therapies with real potential for commercialization.

This effort will position UW–Madison as a national leader in academic-driven therapeutic development while strengthening partnerships with industry, philanthropy  and government. STRIKE will catalyze startup formation, expand access to venture philanthropy, and enable competitive proposals to programs such as ARPA-H. By accelerating translation from discovery to treatment, this program advances the Wisconsin Idea through tangible benefits to patients and society.