What makes in-vivo CAR therapies the next frontier in cell therapy?

Explore key questions and answers to learn how this innovative approach is transforming treatment possibilities. 

What is in-vivo CAR T cell therapy? 

In-vivo CAR T cell therapy is a next-generation approach where immune cells are genetically engineered directly inside the patient’s body, avoiding the need for external cell manipulation and complex lab processing. 
This innovative strategy is designed to simplify treatment logistics and enable faster therapeutic intervention. 

How is in-vivo CAR different from ex-vivo CAR therapy? 

Ex-vivo CAR T therapy requires harvesting, modifying, and reinfusing a patient’s T cells. In contrast, in-vivo CAR delivers gene-editing tools via viral or non-viral vectors, programming T cells inside the body, offering speed and scalability. It reduces time-to-treatment and manufacturing costs, making it more accessible across care settings. 

What diseases could benefit from in-vivo CAR therapies? 

In-vivo CAR therapies are being developed for blood cancers, solid tumors, and autoimmune disorders such as lupus and multiple sclerosis. The technology may also extend to fibrotic and infectious diseases in the future. 
Its versatility positions it as a promising platform for both oncology and non-oncology indications. 

Is in-vivo CAR therapy more affordable than traditional CAR T? 

Yes. By eliminating the need for cell extraction and lab-based manufacturing, in-vivo CAR platforms aim to lower costs and improve access, especially in non-urban and community healthcare settings. This cost-efficiency could support broader reimbursement and healthcare system adoption. 

What stage is in-vivo CAR therapy currently in? 

Most in-vivo CAR programs are in preclinical or early clinical development. However, first-in-human trials have been initiated, signaling growing confidence and investment in this therapeutic modality. Ongoing and future trials will help establish safety, dosing, and long-term efficacy profiles. 

What innovations are emerging beyond in-vivo CAR T therapy? 

Beyond in-vivo CAR T, researchers are exploring in-vivo generation of alternative immune cells such as CAR-NK, CAR-M, and CAR-Tregs for broader immunomodulation. These may offer improved safety, reduced toxicity, and expanded disease targeting. This next wave could unlock new frontiers in autoimmunity, fibrosis, and aging-related disorders.