AstraZeneca Phase I CAR-T Trial Yields 4 of 5 Responses, 3 Remissions
AstraZeneca's in vivo CAR-T Phase I trial (NCT06791681) interim readout reported objective responses in four of five multiple myeloma patients, including three complete remissions. Its $1bn acquisition of EsoBiotec in March 2025 underpins its proprietary in vivo cell therapy pipeline.
1. Interim Trial Readout
AstraZeneca’s in vivo CAR-T therapy under trial NCT06791681 produced objective responses in four of five multiple myeloma patients, with three achieving complete remission. This interim Phase I data highlights early signs of efficacy in a patient population with limited treatment options.
2. Strategic Acquisition of EsoBiotec
In March 2025, AstraZeneca paid $1 billion to acquire EsoBiotec, securing proprietary in vivo CAR-T delivery technology. This deal signaled the company's commitment to in vivo cell therapies and accelerated its entry into a modality projected to address logistical challenges of ex vivo approaches.
3. Cell Therapy Market Context
Big pharma has poured billions into in vivo cell therapy, with Eli Lilly acquiring Orna Therapeutics for $2.4 billion in February 2026 and earlier deals by AbbVie and Bristol Myers Squibb. These transactions underscore competitive pressure and validation of in vivo approaches despite early-stage clinical data.
4. Future Pipeline Outlook
AstraZeneca plans to complete full Phase I readouts later in 2026 and advance to pivotal studies if safety and efficacy hold. The company is also exploring combination strategies and scalable manufacturing to support potential commercialization of its in vivo CAR-T therapy.