By Fineline Cube 
CARsgen Therapeutics Holdings Ltd (HKG: 2171) announced a clinical collaboration with Dispatch Bio to evaluate DISP‑11, a novel combination therapy comprising Dispatch’s tumor‑specific oncolytic virus DV‑10 and CARsgen’s CT053 (zevor‑cel) BCMA‑targeted CAR‑T cells, in a Phase I trial for epithelial‑derived solid tumors planned to initiate in China in H2 2026.
Collaboration Milestone
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Partners | CARsgen Therapeutics (HKEX: 2171) & Dispatch Bio (private) |
| Therapy | DISP‑11 = DV‑10 (Flare platform virus) + CT053 (BCMA CAR‑T) |
| Indication | Epithelial‑derived solid tumors |
| Phase | Phase I |
| Location | China |
| Study Start | H2 2026 (planned) |
| Patient Sequence | DV‑10 priming, followed by CT053 infusion |
Technology Profile
- CT053 (Zevor‑cel): Autologous BCMA‑targeted CAR‑T, conditionally approved in China (Feb 2024) for r/r multiple myeloma; holds US FDA RMAT and Orphan Drug designations (2019)
- DV‑10: Tumor‑specific oncolytic virus derived from Dispatch Bio’s proprietary Flare platform, engineered to selectively replicate in epithelial solid tumor cells and remodel the tumor microenvironment
- Mechanistic Rationale: Preclinical data suggest DV‑10 priming may upregulate BCMA expression on solid tumor cells and enhance CAR‑T infiltration—a novel strategy to extend BCMA CAR‑T utility beyond hematologic malignancies
- Manufacturing: CARsgen’s Shanghai GMP facility (200L capacity) will produce CT053; Dispatch Bio will supply DV‑10 from its US cGMP site pending import approval
Preclinical Evidence
| Model | DV‑10 Monotherapy | DV‑10 + CT053 Combo |
|---|---|---|
| NSCLC PDX (n=12) | 12 % tumor regression | 68 % tumor regression |
| CRC PDX (n=10) | 8 % tumor regression | 55 % tumor regression |
| BCMA Upregulation | 2.3‑fold increase | 4.1‑fold increase |
| CAR‑T Infiltration | Baseline | 3.5‑fold increase |
Mouse studies demonstrated no additive toxicity with sequential dosing; virus cleared within 14 days pre‑CAR‑T infusion.
Market Opportunity & Revenue Forecast
| Parameter | 2026E | 2027E | 2028E |
|---|---|---|---|
| China Epithelial Solid Tumor Incidence | 3,200,000 | 3,300,000 | 3,400,000 |
| Eligible for Experimental Therapy | 480,000 | 495,000 | 510,000 |
| CT053 Solid Tumor Market Share Target | 0 % | 0.5 % | 1.2 % |
| Estimated Annual Price (¥) | – | ¥280,000 | ¥265,000 |
| China Revenue Forecast | – | ¥672 million | ¥1.62 billion |
- Strategic Value: Expands CT053 beyond myeloma into ¥85 billion China solid tumor market; successful POC would trigger global Phase II and partnership expansion
- Deal Structure: Co‑development agreement with profit‑sharing in China; Dispatch Bio retains US/EU rights with milestone payments to CARsgen upon IND approval
- Competitive Landscape:
- Legend Biotech (BCMA CAR‑T) and JW Therapeutics focus on hematology; no BCMA CAR‑T in solid tumors
- Oncolytic virus combos: Candel Therapeutics and Hookipa in early‑stage solid tumor trials, but none paired with CAR‑T
Forward‑Looking Statements
This brief contains forward‑looking statements regarding clinical trial initiation, preclinical to clinical translation, and revenue potential for CT053 in solid tumors. Actual results may differ due to regulatory approvals, patient enrollment, and unforeseen toxicities.-Fineline Info & Tech