Shaping the Future of Cell Therapy

March 11, 2026 by Maarten Walmagh

Highlighting potential at CAR-TCR Summit Europe

A field brimming with potential grounded by practical realities. That’s the impression from the Summit, held in February. Bringing together pioneers in cell and gene therapy to discuss the industry's most pressing challenges and promising innovations, it provided a comprehensive overview of the current landscape, from manufacturing and regulatory hurdles to patient access and the next generation of therapeutic targets.

The Current State of CAR and TCR Therapies
A central theme was the continued reliance on lentiviral (LV) transduction for manufacturing CAR-T and TCR-T therapies. While non-viral technologies are emerging, most companies adhere to established viral pathways to expedite clinical development. This focus is driven by the need to secure funding and produce crucial clinical data, leaving limited resources to explore alternative engineering methods.

Investment remains a critical factor shaping the European cell and gene therapy landscape. It was noted that only seven percent of venture capital funding in this space is allocated to Europe, largely due to a complex and fragmented regulatory environment. This has a direct impact on innovation, making cash conservation and government initiatives essential components of financing strategies. To remain competitive with the U.S. and Asia, Europe would need to harmonize public and private financing and streamline its regulatory processes.

Data presented by Beacon offered a clear snapshot of the market. CD19 and BCMA remain the most active targets for CAR-T therapies, while PRIME, KRAS, and NY-ESO-1 lead for TCR-T assets. In 2025, the field saw a 20 percent year-over-year increase in CAR-T trials and a notable 40 percent increase in TCR-T trials, signaling strong momentum.

Advancing Patient Access Through Innovation
Patient access is a significant challenge, and academic centers are leading the way with innovative solutions. Heidelberg University Hospital and Hospital Clínic de Barcelona shared their experiences manufacturing CAR-T products in-house under Hospital Exemption pathways. Heidelberg has received approval for its third-generation anti-CD19 CAR-T therapy for hematological malignancies and rheumatology, while Barcelona’s ARI-0001 product is available for B-cell malignancies in patients over 25.

These point-of-care manufacturing models not only reduce costs but also bring treatments closer to patients. The Spanish ACA alliance is establishing a multi-center trial network, with plans to expand across Europe through partnerships. These "home-brew" products, often reimbursed by local governments, demonstrate a viable path to increasing patient access.

A Look Toward the Future
The summit highlighted the next wave of innovation. Presentations from companies like Pan Cancer T, OneChain Therapeutics, and Glycostem showcased novel approaches. Pan Cancer T is developing a TCR-T therapy for solid tumors, while OneChain is pioneering an in-vivo LV-based CAR-T technology. These advancements reflect a broader trend toward targeting solid tumors and exploring new modalities like CAR-NK cells.

Regulatory evolution is also on the horizon. The new FAST-EU Track regulation promises a maximum 70-day response from Brussels to all member states, a development that could significantly accelerate approvals and enhance Europe's competitiveness.

Overall, the Summit painted a picture of a dynamic and resilient industry. Despite funding and regulatory pressures, the commitment to innovation is unwavering. The recent acquisitions by major pharmaceutical companies have injected optimism into the market, with a collaborative spirit among academic institutions, biotech firms, and regulatory bodies paving the way for next generation life-changing cell therapies.

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