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In vivo CAR-T bet extends Descartes-08 into manufacturing-free autoimmune therapy
Full analysis, sources & comparables →On June 9, 2026, Cartesian Therapeutics announced a strategic licensing agreement with WestGene Biopharma to advance in vivo chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies for autoimmune diseases. The collaboration combines Cartesian's Descartes-08 mRNA payload with WestGene's targeted lipid-nanoparticle (LNP) delivery platform. WestGene receives an undisclosed upfront payment and is eligible for development- and commercial-based milestone payments. A Phase 1 trial in generalized myasthenia gravis is planned for 2H 2026 with initial data expected in 1H 2027.
In vivo CAR-T bet extends Descartes-08 into manufacturing-free autoimmune therapy
Assessment window: 5yr post-close.
Note: this deal's 5-year assessment window closes ~2031; the outcome grade above is a projected assessment, not yet finalized.
| Deal | Year | Value | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cartesian Therapeutics, Inc. / WestGene Biopharma Co., Ltd. (this deal) | 2026 | — | 52 |
| Amgen Inc. / Immunex Corporation | 2002 | $16.0B | 92 |
| PerkinElmer, Inc. / EUROIMMUN Medizinische Labordiagnostika AG | 2017 | $1.3B | 88 |
| Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated / Alpine Immune Sciences | 2024 | $4.9B | 78 |
| Roche Holding AG / Genentech, Inc. (Roche Group) | 2009 | $46.8B | 72 |
| Travere Therapeutics, Inc. / Everest Medicines Limited | 2026 | $1.1B | 72 |
| Amgen Inc. / Horizon Therapeutics plc | 2022 | $27.8B | 72 |
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More: 2026 deals · Immunology deals