Mesoblast Secures Worldwide CAR License, Issues ASX Shares to Boost MSC Potency
Mesoblast acquired an exclusive global license to a patented CAR platform for mesenchymal stromal cell products, issuing ASX ordinary shares to secure rights and in-kind Mayo Clinic support. The company plans CAR-engineered MSCs targeting inflamed bowel in ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s and CD19-expressing cells for lupus nephritis to enhance potency.
1. Exclusive CAR Platform License
Mesoblast acquired exclusive worldwide rights to a patented CAR technology platform by issuing ASX ordinary shares to a startup formed to advance the technology, securing long-term intellectual property protection across major markets.
2. CAR-Engineered MSC Technology
The licensed platform enables incorporation of chimeric antigen receptors into mesenchymal stromal cells, aiming to enhance target specificity, homing to inflamed tissues and immunomodulatory potency for tissue regeneration.
3. Target Diseases and Development Plans
Initial development will focus on CAR-MSC products targeting inflamed bowel conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, alongside CD19-expressing cells designed to induce remission in lupus nephritis and other B cell autoimmune diseases.
4. Mayo Clinic Collaboration and Support
Mayo Clinic will provide in-kind support including GMP manufacturing activities to advance preclinical work and facilitate the transition of CAR-MSC candidates toward clinical evaluation.