Cambridge, Mass.-based Obsidian Therapeutics and the University of Texas’ MD Anderson Cancer Center have forged a multi-year deal to develop tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) as a treatment for solid tumors.

Per the deal, Obsidian Therapeutics will provide its cytoDRiVE delivery platform to the university to speed research into TILs, which target tumors by reversing the expression of certain cancer-causing proteins via an oral therapy.

TIL therapy’s “widespread use” is hindered by significant safety and efficacy challenges, noted the University of Texas, which says work will occur in an in-house 60,000-square-foot manufacturing facility.

Obsidian Therapeutics joins a large wave of biotech firms exploring cell and gene therapy delivery systems for patients with cancer and other incurable diseases.