China Leads Global Trials of Next-Generation Invivo CAR-T Therapies

Researchers say China has become the leading centre for invivo CAR-T cell therapies, which reprogram immune cells inside the body to target cancers or autoimmune attacks. Of the 140 such drugs being tested globally, 82% are pursued by Chinese groups, a result of the country's large patient population, rapid investigator-initiated trial system and substantial state funding. Early clinical data are promising: a first-in-human lupus trial reported symptom relief in five patients within three months, and a later study noted improvements in 16 autoimmune patients with no serious adverse events.

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the first China-origin invivo CAR-T therapy for testing in blood-cancer trials, underscoring its potential worldwide impact. Experts caution that longer-term efficacy and safety data are still needed before broader regulatory approval. International researchers are increasingly seeking collaborations, and the Chinese model could lower costs and speed up evidence generation for patients globally.