In vivo CAR-T therapy reduces manufacturing time and cost, enabling more accessible cancer immunotherapy. The strategy also enables superior self-renewal capacity and anti-tumor persistence.
A Phase 1 clinical trial found that an investigational CAR-T therapy, anito-cel, led to high response rates and durable benefits in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Serious side effects were uncommon, and no delayed neurological complications were reported.
A University of California, Davis-led project aims to develop a 'cyborg' cell technology that can store and transport cellular therapies at room temperature, reducing costs and increasing accessibility. The CYBORGEL project, funded by up to $36.5M from ARPA-H, has the potential to make life-saving cell therapies more affordable and acc...
A UCLA research team engineered immune cells that target atherosclerotic plaques, clearing out rogue smooth muscle cells and inflamed macrophages and foam cells. The 'triple-threat' cells outperformed single-target versions in mouse models and artery tissue, showing promise in treating cardiovascular disease.
Researchers from Fudan University developed a strategy to achieve efficient engraftment of macrophages in peripheral organs using Mr BMT, a technique that replaces microglia in the CNS. The study shows that Mr BMT preserves tissue homeostasis and innate immune response, with durable macrophage replacement lasting at least 9 months.
The BMJH Sankalp Center for Paediatric Haematology Oncology has achieved JACIE certification, a landmark milestone for haematopoietic cell transplantation and cellular therapy in India. This certification ensures safe and effective care for children with life-threatening blood disorders.
Dr. Georg Aue, a nationally recognized blood cancer expert, has been named the inaugural director of the Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program at UT Health San Antonio. The program aims to increase access to new therapeutic approaches for patients across South Texas, with a focus on clinical excellence, research innovation,...
Researchers at MIT developed a new cell-preservation technique using naturally occurring sugars, reducing the need for a chemical preservative. This approach significantly improves the viability and function of CAR-T cells, making them easier to deploy in hospitals.
The DKMS John Hansen Research Grant supports innovative cell therapy approaches and transplant immunology. The grant enables young researchers to build a network and advance lifesaving therapies for blood cancer.
Scientists create a biomimetic zona pellucida coating called BZP to mimic the natural barrier on egg cells, protecting donor islets from the immune system and reducing blood sugar levels in diabetic mice for 100 days. This approach could lead to a promising commercial cell therapy platform for treating various diseases.
The Marcus Foundation has awarded $28.7 million to advance a clinical trial testing a stem cell-based therapy designed to regenerate damaged heart tissue after a heart attack. Researchers aim to develop approaches that could reduce or eliminate the need for immunosuppressive drugs.
Researchers at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center have made significant progress in treating rare brain infections with a virus-specific T cell therapy, achieving an overall response rate of 56.8% in patients with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). The center also introduced a novel CAR T cell therapy for hard-to-treat kidney ...
Researchers from BST and IGTP are developing therapies based on extracellular vesicles, which can perform tissue regeneration and modulate inflammation. These nanoparticles could revolutionize medicine by delivering medicines directly to damaged tissues.
Biomedical engineers at Duke University have successfully grown specialized blood vessel cells critical to retinal health from induced pluripotent stem cells. These 'retinal endothelial cells' integrated into damaged tissue to regenerate blood vessels, restore function, and form functional vascular tissue in a lab-grown environment.
A local research study found that only a minority of tested DNA switches were active in living liver tissue, with many linked to genes involved in metabolism and immune responses. The activity of these switches shifted in response to changes in the gut microbiome.
Malcom Brenner, a renowned physician-scientist, will lead the new center. He brings expertise in cell and gene therapy to advance therapies for various diseases.
Researchers successfully generated rat-derived kidneys in mice using interspecies blastocyst complementation, demonstrating potential for growing transplantable human organs in larger animals. The study represents an important step toward addressing global kidney shortages.
Researchers at IGTP identify N-glycosylation as essential for preserving immunomodulatory function of extracellular vesicles. The study found that intact N-glycosylation can reduce monocyte recruitment to inflamed endothelium, contributing to a better understanding of these vesicles' therapeutic potential.
Rice University has received a $2 million CPRIT award to advance cancer research, including new studies in immunotherapy and ovarian cancer. The funding will support the expansion of the Genetic Design and Engineering Center, which provides a centralized hub for DNA tools used in cancer research.
Researchers have developed a cell-based delivery platform that uses encapsulated engineered cells to secrete cytokines directly within the wound environment, supporting accelerated wound healing in rodent and porcine excisional wound models. The approach is designed to maintain therapeutic levels of signaling molecules at the wound site.
A new study by the University of Southampton has found that reusable catheters are just as safe for patients as single-use ones and do not increase the risk of urinary tract infections. The study followed hundreds of patients for a year and discovered that those who tested reusable catheters used 35 per cent fewer antibiotics.
The Alliance A082402 study evaluates the effectiveness of involved-station I²-PORT in reducing NSCLC recurrence without long-term side effects. Participants will undergo randomized treatment with or without targeted radiation therapy after surgery.
Researchers developed a novel mouse model that mirrors the human disease, revealing molecular mechanisms underlying geleophysic dysplasia. The model replicates severe symptoms, including short stature, heart valve alterations, and early lethality, facilitating the identification of potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers summarize universal mechanisms of regulatory T cells in solid organ transplantation, enabling durable immune tolerance and reducing rejection. Gene-editing technologies create hypoimmunogenic Tregs for standardized, scalable availability.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have created a new method to produce insulin-producing cells from human stem cells, effectively regulating blood sugar levels in laboratory tests and reversing diabetes in mice. The optimized production process yields more mature and purer cells, demonstrating their potential for future treatments.
Duracyte's technology uses an implantable device to produce therapeutic proteins continuously inside the human body, replacing injections and infusions with a single device. The device can sense biological signals, monitor tumor environments and adjust therapeutic output in real time.
Researchers found that extracellular vesicles from menstrual blood stromal cells can improve cartilage function and slow tissue degradation, even in older postmenopausal women. Biomimetic scaffolds are being developed to prolong the effects of these particles, offering a potential cell-free therapy for osteoarthritis.
Researchers used machine learning methods to identify safe time windows for outpatient stem cell therapy in multiple myeloma patients. The study found that this approach can predict adverse events and enable more precise risk assessment.
A new system generates oxygen, sustaining drug-producing cells for weeks. The device, called HOBIT, integrates engineered cells with oxygen-producing bioelectronics, producing three different biologics in a small animal model.
Researchers at USC will develop an AI-driven framework to strengthen evidence generation for gene and cell therapies, helping bring promising treatments closer to patients. The project aims to better understand how specific therapy features relate to patient outcomes.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University have developed a nanoparticle-based system to produce exosomes, which are being explored as a new type of medical treatment. The system enables the efficient production of engineered exosomes with improved efficiency, scalability and stability.
Researchers have developed a new type of cell therapy called HIT cells that can detect and eliminate cancer cells in mice with pancreatic, kidney and ovarian cancers. The treatment shows promise for nearly 20 other types of cancers, including glioblastoma and pancreaticadenocarcinoma.
Researchers in Lund have presented a new model for cooperation that will shorten lead times and reduce costs. The Cell and Gene Therapy Navigator tool helps identify imbalances and future bottlenecks in projects.
Aviv Regev, a pioneering computational biologist, will deliver a keynote address on tissue stem cells at the ISSCR 2026 Annual Meeting. Her work has transformed our understanding of cell and tissue function in health and disease.
Dr. George Coukos, a leading authority on tumor immunology and cellular immunotherapy, joins Weill Cornell Medicine to lead the Ludwig Laboratory for Cell Therapy.
The ISSCR has released a comprehensive roadmap for developing pluripotent stem cell-derived therapies, outlining critical scientific, manufacturing, and regulatory guidance. The Best Practices document provides a risk-based, end-to-end development strategy to support informed decision-making across seven essential areas.
Researchers at University of British Columbia have successfully grown specialized immune cells called helper T cells from stem cells in a controlled laboratory setting. This breakthrough could lead to more accessible and effective off-the-shelf treatments for various conditions, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious di...
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys found that transplanted stem cells develop neurons with unique codes to navigate and form connections in the brain. These codes guide the growth of axons and explain why most neurons of a particular subtype send axons to specific brain regions.
A novel approach to chronic pain management uses induced pluripotent stem cell-derived peripheral pain-sensing neurons to treat osteoarthritis joint pain. The therapy, SN101, sequesters inflammatory pain factors without transmitting pain signals, preserving joint tissues and relieving chronic pain.
Researchers successfully used microglia replacement to halt a fatal neurological disease in human patients, marking a significant advancement from initial mouse model success. The approach has evolved into an efficient and clinical meaningful strategy, with potential applications across neurological diseases.
Scientists at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) have successfully replicated induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) using a new application of their cell-expansion bioreactor. The bioreactor's unique geometry allows for the growth of large quantities of iPSCs, which can differentiate into any other cell type in the body.
The International Society for Stem Cell Research invites you to celebrate 20 years of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) discovery and chart its future. The symposium features keynote speakers, featured sessions, and presentations on cutting-edge research.
Researchers at UCLA have developed CAR-NKT cell therapy, which can attack tumors from multiple fronts while dismantling their protective shields. The therapy uses engineered immune cells that can be mass-produced from donated blood stem cells and stored ready-to-use, offering a potentially life-changing treatment option.
The ISSCR 2026 Annual Meeting will bring together academic and industry leaders to explore advances in stem cell science and regenerative medicine. Scientists can submit abstracts by February 25, 2026, for oral presentations and Travel and Merit Awards.
The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) has released a comprehensive guide to accelerate the translation of human pluripotent stem cell-derived therapies into clinical trials and commercial use. The guidance outlines key principles and decision points for developing safe, effective, and regulatory-compliant products.
Researchers develop antibody-γδ T cell conjugates to target PD-L1-positive cancers, inducing pyroptosis and remodeling tumor microenvironment. This dual action promotes direct killing of cancer cells and sustained anti-tumor immunity.
Oral mucositis increases infection risks in stem cell transplant patients by nearly four times, according to new research. A superior AI tool has been introduced to accurately predict these risks, enabling targeted oral care before transplants and reducing complications.
The DKMS John Hansen Research Grant is supporting innovative research projects in blood cancer therapy, aiming to improve treatment outcomes. The grant, worth almost €1 million, will support young scientists with a focus on transplant immunology and novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
The Weill Cancer Hub West will harness expertise from two world-class institutions to accelerate new discoveries and develop innovative treatments. The initiative aims to drive early detection, diagnoses, and effective treatments through data science and human cell research.
A team of researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has made a groundbreaking discovery about why genetically engineered immune cells sometimes fail to fully destroy tumors. They found that FAS ligand, produced by the immune cells themselves, causes self-destruction and reduces therapy's effectiveness.
Researchers identified a protective RNA molecule that regulates autophagic flux and protects against cellular injury, inflammation, and fibrosis in kidney cells. Boosting this tRNA-Asp-GTC-3'tDR increases kidney protection with less scarring, inflammation, and injury.
Researchers identified key factors behind a successful immunotherapy response in a young patient with rhabdoid tumour. The study highlights the potential of sequencing technologies to track immune cell profiles and develops personalized cell therapies.
Researchers found that inhibiting the GLUD1 enzyme improves muscle strength and coordination in DMD mouse models, offering a potential therapeutic pathway for treating the disease. The study suggests a promising approach to restore muscle function beyond symptom relief.
Scientists found that mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) therapy improved immune recovery in cats with FIP, a disease similar to Long COVID. The study showed reduced systemic inflammation and increased regulatory T cells, suggesting potential benefits for human patients.
A new treatment method using microglia replacement has shown promising results in halting the progression of genetic neurological disease ALSP in both mice and human individuals. The treatment, developed at Fudan University, successfully replaced mutated microglia with healthy ones, improving neurological function and extending life ex...
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have made a groundbreaking discovery on how neural stem cell grafts can restore myelin in MS lesions in mice. The study provides critical evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of human induced neural stem cell transplantation as a potential new treatment for progressive multiple sclerosis.
A new gene therapy delivery device called NANOSPRESSO could revolutionize how hospitals treat rare diseases by allowing them to create personalized nanomedicines in-house. This democratized approach to precision medicine could boost access to low-cost bespoke gene and RNA therapies, especially in low-resource settings.
CIK cell therapy improved overall and progression-free survival for patients with colorectal cancer, regardless of disease stage. Serum CEA levels can predict treatment response, paving the way for a simple blood test.
Physicians from Ruhr-University Bochum used CAR T-cell therapy to treat two patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), a rare autoimmune disease causing paralysis and loss of sensation. The treatment showed rapid and long-lasting effects, with significant improvements in symptoms and functional abilities.
Researchers at MD Anderson have made significant progress in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by combining chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and surgery. They found that pre-surgical combination therapy showed promising results, with high rates of pathological complete response and major pathological response.