NanoCAR: Advancing In Vivo CAR T Therapy
A Scalable Approach to Reprogramming T Cells Inside the Body
The NanoCAR project is developing an in vivo CAR-T therapy approach based on targeted lipid nanoparticles, or tLNPs. The technology is designed to deliver genetic material directly into T cells within the patient, removing the need to extract, genetically modify, and reinfuse the patient’s cells.
By moving T-cell reprogramming from an external manufacturing facility into the body “in vivo”, NanoCAR aims to make CAR-T therapy more accessible, scalable, cost-efficient, and safer.
Project Rationale
Addressing the Limitations of Current CAR T Therapy
CAR-T therapies have demonstrated significant clinical success in the treatment of blood cancers. However, their reach remains limited by complex manufacturing, high costs, lengthy treatment timelines, and the need for specialized treatment centers.
Current challenges include:
As a result, many eligible patients are unable to receive treatment. NanoCAR is being developed to address the need for a more accessible, affordable, scalable, and safer approach.
NanoCAR Technology
Delivering CAR T-Cell Reprogramming In Vivo
Unlike conventional CAR-T therapies, which require ex vivo extraction and modification of a patient’s T cells, the NanoCAR approach is designed to genetically reprogram T cells directly in vivo.
The technology combines four principal components:
This non-viral delivery approach is intended to eliminate the need for complex ex vivo manufacturing while supporting the development of a scalable and cost-efficient gene therapy.
Project Objectives
Advancing NanoCAR Toward Clinical Translation
The NanoCAR project is designed to move the technology from early proof-of-principle results toward a lead clinical candidate and validation at Technology Readiness Level 5, or TRL 5.
The work is organized around three connected objectives:
Project Impact
Expanding Access to More Scalable and Patient-Friendly CAR T Therapy
NanoCAR is designed to address both the clinical limitations of current CAR T therapy and the broader challenges associated with cost, access, and healthcare delivery.
The expected impact can be viewed across two connected areas:
Advancing a More Accessible Approach to CAR T Therapy
NanoCAR represents a paradigm shift from complex, expensive ex vivo CAR T therapies toward a simple, scalable, in vivo gene therapy approach.
By addressing major clinical and logistical barriers, the project aims to deliver a next-generation, accessible cancer treatment with far-reaching clinical and societal benefits.
Funded by Horizon Europe
The NanoCAR project has received funding through Horizon Europe, the European Union’s research and innovation programme.
