Ivann Sekielyk
Research Associate Scientist Philochem
Ivann Sekielyk is a Research Associate Scientist in the Biology Department at Philochem AG, part of the Philogen Group, in Zurich, Switzerland. He is also pursuing an industrial PhD in Cancer Biology at the University of Zurich through the Life Science Zurich Graduate School. His research focuses on the discovery and development of bispecific and multispecific antibodies, including T-cell engagers, for the treatment of solid tumors. Before joining Philochem, Ivann graduated with honors from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden with a Master’s degree in Biomedicine. During his studies, he developed a particular interest in immuno-oncology, notably through his master’s thesis research at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, Canada.
Seminars
Achieving sustained, long-lasting responses remains one of the most pressing challenges in T-cell engager development, with resistance and T-cell exhaustion frequently limiting clinical durability. This workshop will explore
how these mechanisms arise and how the field can move towards long-term efficacy.
- Delving into resistance mechanisms, including antigen loss, tumour heterogeneity and checkpoint upregulation, to predict and prevent patient relapse
- Uncovering how continuous T-cell activation leads to exhaustion and identifying practical approaches from dosing holidays to combination strategies for restoring T-cell fitness
- Assessing the potential of T-cell fitness biomarkers in predicting responsiveness, stratifying patients, and guiding treatment regimens
