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First Person Treated for Severe Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Using CAR-T Cell Therapy, CC-97540
A person has been treated with a novel CAR-T cell therapy, CC-97540 (BMS-986353), for treatment of severe systemic lupus erythematosus. CAR-T cell therapy reduces the number of disease-causing antibody producing cells and B cells (immune system cells involved in the production of autoantibodies and lupus disease activity). CAR T-cells are genetically altered T-cells, which are a part of the immune system.
To make CAR-T cells, scientists modify T-cells by adding chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), which target specific cells. The newly made CAR-T cells are then reintroduced back into the body. CC-97540 supplies a person’s immune T-cells with CD19, a protein found on the surface of B cells. When reintroduced to the person’s body, the modified T-cells (CAR-T cells) attack and destroy B-cells. The Phase 1, open-label study is currently enrolling patients.
Continue to follow the Lupus Foundation of America for updates on lupus drug developments and clinical trials. Learn more about treatments being studied for lupus.