CAR T-Cell Therapy Shows Promise for Autoimmune Diseases

Originally developed for cancer, CAR T-cell therapy is now being explored in numerous clinical trials to treat autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, lupus, and stiff person syndrome. This groundbreaking approach modifies patients' T cells to attack the B cells that cause autoimmunity. On June 9, 2025, 49-year-old Jan Janisch-Hanzlik, who has multiple sclerosis, received a CAR T infusion at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Almost a year later, she has seen significant progress, no longer needing a cane, though some symptoms remain. In 2021, a German study showed positive results for lupus patients. At the University of Colorado Anschutz, Amanda Piquet's trial for stiff person syndrome showed that 26 participants improved their walking speed, with eight no longer needing aids. While there are risks like inflammation and potential secondary cancers, new mRNA options, like Cartesian Therapeutics' Descartes-08, aim to lessen these risks. Although the treatment is costly, using donor cells could cut down expenses. The FDA approved the first CAR T therapy for cancer back in 2017.