Early trial data backs AstraZeneca's $1B bet on EsoBiotec’s CAR-T therapy

EsoBiotec released early clinical data showing its in vivo CAR-T therapy, ESO-T01, produced responses in all four multiple myeloma patients treated, including two complete remissions.

Why it matters: These results offer the first published clinical validation for AstraZeneca’s $1 billion acquisition of EsoBiotec ($425M upfront, $575M in milestones), highlighting potential for less invasive, more accessible CAR-T therapies.

Backstory: AstraZeneca announced its acquisition of Belgium-based EsoBiotec earlier this year, after preliminary data from a single patient was shared at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference.

Big picture: ESO-T01 uses lentivirus-delivered mRNA to reprogram T cells inside the body, avoiding the need for lab-based cell modification. In vivo CAR-T could transform cancer treatment by streamlining manufacturing, cutting costs, and expanding patient access — a major leap from current complex and expensive CAR-T processes.

The trial in detail: All four patients had relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma and had received at least two prior treatments. Two patients had complete remission by day 28 and two months, respectively; the other two showed partial responses.

Yes, but: Similar to standard CAR-T therapies, ESO-T01 triggered serious side effects, including cytokine release syndrome in all patients, blood toxicities, and lung infections.

What’s next: The trial is ongoing in Wuhan, China, aiming to enroll 24 patients.