CAR-T Cell Therapy for ANCA Vasculitis

Participating centers:

1. Rheumatology, University Hospital Basel; Prof. Thomas Daikeler (Head: Prof. Diego Kyburz)
2. Rheumatology, University Hospital Bern; PD Dr. Lisa Christ (Head: Prof. Britta Maurer)

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This clinical study is evaluating the safety and efficacy of YTB323 in severe GPA and MPA. YTB323 is a type of treatment known as chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR T-cell therapy). In CAR T-cell therapy, participants’ own T cells, a type of white blood cell, are collected from the blood and modified in a laboratory so that they can specifically recognize and destroy B cells, which are believed to contribute to these diseases. The modified T cells from each participant are then returned to the participant’s body. This type of treatment is an established therapy for certain B-cell diseases in oncology and has already shown promising effects in other immune diseases (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus).

The comparator product is a treatment approved in Switzerland for severe GPA and MPA.

1. Blood collection (leukapheresis)
   → T cells are collected from the blood

2. Genetic modification in the laboratory
   → T cells receive an artificial receptor (CAR) that, for example,            recognizes CD19 on B cells

3. Return via infusion
   → CAR T cells are given back to the patient

4. Effect in the body
   → targeted destruction of disease-causing B cells
   → in ANCA vasculitis: reduction of autoantibodies