ClinicalTrials.gov record NCT04561557

Safety and Efficacy of CT103A Cells for Relapsed/Refractory Antibody-associated Inflammatory Diseases of the Nervous System

Record copied from ClinicalTrials.gov: Oct 10, 2026AI summaries generated: Sep 17, 2026

An Open Label Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of CT103A Cells for the Treatment of Relapsed/Refractory Antibody-associated Inflammatory Diseases of the Nervous System

StatusRecruitingThe study is currently enrolling participants. Only the study team can say whether a particular person can join.
Study typeInterventionalA study in which researchers assign participants to one or more interventions, such as a drug, procedure, device, behavioural programme or other approach, to measure their effects.
PhaseEarly phase 1A very early study, usually in a small number of people, to learn how the body handles a treatment. It is not designed to show whether the treatment works.
Age18 years old to 75 years old
SexAll
LocationChina
AI summaryWhat this study is about, in plain languageShow ▾Hide ▴

AI-written from the registry record, not the study's own wording. May contain errors or omissions. Check the registry text on this page and the original record ↗ before acting on it.

This early-phase, open-label trial evaluates the safety and initial efficacy of a single infusion of CT103A CAR‑T cells in people with relapsed or refractory antibody-driven nervous system autoimmune diseases. Treatment includes leukapheresis to collect cells, a short lymphodepletion drug course (cyclophosphamide and fludarabine), then one intravenous CT103A infusion at escalating dose levels. The study monitors for short- and long-term adverse events and measures biological markers and antibody levels. The trial uses a sequential, non-randomized dose-escalation approach.

What it is studying. The study is testing whether CT103A CAR‑T cells can be given safely and how the cells affect disease-related measures. The main safety outcomes are dose-limiting toxicities and adverse events after infusion. The study will also measure biological effects such as changes in pathogenic antibody levels, soluble BCMA, CAR‑T cell amounts in blood (and cerebrospinal fluid for some measures), and disease markers like neurofilament in MS.

What the researchers hope to learn. Scientific goals are to evaluate safety (dose-limiting toxicities and adverse events), to describe pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (CAR‑T persistence, vector copies, soluble BCMA), and to measure effects on pathogenic antibody titers and selected disease biomarkers.

What this study is about

The study's own summary, as published on ClinicalTrials.gov. Underlined terms have a short explanation.

Antibody-mediated inflammatory diseases of the nervous system (also known as autoimmune diseases of the nervous system) are autoimmune diseases in which autoimmune cells and immune molecules attack the nervous system as the main pathogenic mechanism. In the immune response, pathogenic antibodies acting on autoantigens of the nervous system are collectively referred to as autoantibodies of the nervous system, and antibody-mediated inflammatory diseases of the nervous system can occur in the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and neuromuscular junctions, and muscles. In this study, we will recruit eight kinds of autoimmune diseases of nervous system including Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD), Myasthenia Gravis (MG), Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), idiopathic inflammatory myopathyand (IIM), multiple sclerosis (MS), autoimmune encephalitis (AE), Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease (MOGAD) and POEMS Syndrome. B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is expressed on the surface of plasma cells, thus making it an ideal target for targeted therapies. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells against BCMA offers another potential therapeutic option to eliminate plasma cells in patients with neurological autoimmune diseases driven by abnormal antibody who still suffer recurrent attacks from conventional treatments. In the current study, the safety and efficacy of a novel CAR-T cell therapy using CT103A cells, are evaluated in patients with relapsed/refractory antibody-mediated idiopathic inflammatory diseases.

Interventions being studied

Being studied in this trial does not mean the treatment or procedure is approved or available for this condition.

Drug
  • Cyclophosphamide and fludarabine
Biological
  • CT103A cells

Eligibility

The criteria exactly as listed on ClinicalTrials.gov. Only the study team can say whether they apply to you.

Inclusion criteria

  • Male or female subjects aged 18-75 years (including 18 and 75 years);
  • Subjects with Relapsing/refractory Antibody-mediated inflammatory diseases of the nervous system without effective treatment, including:
  • Subjects must be diagnosed as AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD defined by 2015 criteria of IPND NMOSD and meet the following requirements: i. At least one kind of immunosuppressant has been used for more than one year with poorly-controlled symptoms; ii. Clinical evidence of at least two relapses in the last 12 months or three relapses in the last 24 months and one relapse in the preceding 12 months before screening.
  • Subjects with MG with positive abnormal antibody, MG-ADL total score ≥ 6 points, MGFA classification II-IV defined by 2020 MGFA diagnostic criteria and meet the following requirement: i. At least one kind of immunosuppressant for standardized treatment for more than 1 year, and have one of the following poor control conditions: 1) continuous inability to affect daily life; 2) Exacerbation of MG symptoms and/or crisis attacks still occur despite standard treatment; 3) Inability to tolerate immunosuppressive therapy ii. Requires plasma exchange or maintenance therapy with IV gamma globulin
  • Subjects with CIDP with positive abnormal antibodies, INCAT disability scale with total score of 2-9 defined by 2021 EAN/PNS diagnostic criteria and meet the following requirement: i. Standardized use of at least one first-line therapy for more than 3 months (cortisol hormone therapy, gamma globulin or plasma exchange therapy) with poorly-controlled symptoms. ii. Inability to tolerate cortisol hormones, gamma globulin, and plasmapheresis because of side effects or other conditions
  • Subjects were diagnosed with IIM defined by 2017 European League against Rheumatism/American Rheumatology (EULAR/ACR) conference Class criteria; At least one kind of cardiac enzymes (CK, AST, ALT, ALD, LDH) ≥1.5×ULN during the screening period, or Cutaneous Dermatomyositis Disease Area and Severity Index (CDASI) ≥6, or at least one other sign of active disease within the last 6 months: MRI, EMG, or muscle biopsy; positive serological tests for myositis-specific antibodies (MSA) or myositis-associated autoantibodies (MAA), or antinuclear antibody (ANA). and meet one of the following requirements:
  • i. After at least 1 month of corticosteroid therapy and standardized use of at least one immunosuppressant/modulator (eg, azathioprine, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, Cyclophosphamide, leflunomide, intravenous gamma globulin, etc.) for more than 3 months with poorly-controlled symptoms.
  • ii. ii. Inability to tolerate the above traditional regimens due to side effects or other conditions;
  • e. Subjects were diagnosed with PMS (including PPMS and SPMS) or RMS according to the 2017 revision of the McDonald diagnostic criteria;EDSS score between 2 to 7 points inclusive, at screening. Subjects with RMS should meet one of the following requirements after standard therapy: i. at least two relapses in the last two years before screening. ii. at least one relapse in the last one year before screening. iii. positive Gd-enhancing MRI in the last one year before screening.
  • f. Subjects were diagnosed with POEMS syndrome according to the 2021 revised IMWG diagnostic criteria and meet all of the following requirements: i. bone marrow involvement; ii. no response to traditional regimens treatment including corticosteroid, chemotherapy, protease inhibitor or inability to tolerate the above traditional regimens; iii. Have measurable lesions (refer to the 2021 revised IMWG standard) iv. VEGF > 2 ULN; v. ECOG score ≥1; vi. ONLS score ≥1.
  • g. Subjects were diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis according to the 2016 International Diagnostic Criteria for Autoimmune Encephalitis and meet all of the following requirements: i. at least one pathogenic antibody positive; ii. previously standardized use of corticosteroid, at least one immunosuppressant/modulator, including CD20 monoclonal antibody with poorly-controlled symptoms or intolerance; iii. onset of autoimmune encephalitis within 3 months prior to screening; iv. mRS Score ≥2 or CASE score ≥4.
  • h. Subjects were diagnosed with MOGAD according to the 2023 International MOGAD Diagnostic criteria and meet all of the following requirements: i. a documented positive serum MOG Ab test using a cell-based assay (CBA); ii mRS Score ≥2; iii previously standardized use of corticosteroid, at least one immunosuppressant/modulator, including CD20 monoclonal antibody with poorly-controlled symptoms or intolerance.
  • All acute toxic reactions resolved to baseline or ≤ grade 1 assessed using NCI-CTCAE v5.0 except the ones adjudicated by the investigator to pose no risks on subjects.
  • Enrolled subjects must have satisfactory organ function and laboratory findings as defined by the following:i. Blood tests: absolute neutrophil count ≥ 2×109/L (or normal lower limit set by the central lab of the institution), platelets ≥ 100 × 109/L, and hemoglobin ≥ 100 g/L; ii. Liver function: total serum bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) must be ≤ 1.5x the institutional normal upper limit (ULN); iii. Kidney function: CrCl ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73m2 (according to the following Cockcroft-Gault formula); iv. Electrolytes: blood potassium ≥ 3.0 mmol/L; blood calcium ≥ 2.0 mmol/L, blood magnesium ≥ 0.5 mmol/L; v. Coagulation function: fibrinogen ≥ 1.0 g/L; APTT ≤ ULN + 10s; PT ≤ ULN + 3s.
  • Blood oxygen saturation > 91% in resting state.
  • Echocardiography suggests LVEF≥ 50%.
  • Expected life expectancy ≥ 12 weeks as assessed by the investigator.
  • After signing the informed consent form, subjects and their partners must be willing to use effective and reliable method of contraception, devices or medicines, within one year after CT103A cells infusion (excluding contraception safety periods).
  • Subjects must provide written informed consent before the study begin.

Exclusion criteria

  • Patients do not have adequate mononuclear cells without mobilization for CAR-T cell manufacturing.
  • History of autoimmune hemolytic disease.
  • History of solid organ transplantation.
  • Patients were treated with alemtuzumab within 6 months prior to apheresis. Patients were treated with fludarabine or cladribine within 3 months prior to apheresis.
  • Patients with Papovaviruses infection.
  • Patients have been diagnosed with malignancies in the last 2 years prior to screening except for non-melanoma skin cancer, stage I cancers with complete resection and low risk of relapse, localized prostate cancer post-treatments, biopsy-confirmed in situ cervical cancer, or squamous epithelial lesion by PAP smear.
  • Chronic and active hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, CMV or syphilis infections concurrently.
  • MG crisis was not effectively controlled within 2 weeks before enrollment.
  • Known history of primary immunodeficiency (innate or acquired).
  • Patients with severe impaired cardiac function, including but not limited to the following: unstable angina, myocardial infarction (within 6 months before enrollment), congestive heart failure (≥Grade III by NYHA), severe ventricular arrhythmia.
  • Cerebrovascular accidents, including transient ischemic attack or stroke history, occurred within 6 months before enrollment.
  • Major operation or surgical treatment caused by any reason within 4 weeks before enrollment.
  • Any serious and/or uncontrolled comorbidities which may interfere with the evaluation during the study in the opinion of the investigator
  • Previous treatments: History of thymectomy within 12 months prior to CT103A infusion;
  • History of psychoactive drug abuse and failed to withdraw, or have a history of psychiatric disorders.
  • Prone to allergies or history of serious allergy.
  • Pregnant or lactating women.
  • Patients with other conditions adjudicated by the investigator as unsuitable for enrollment.
  • Criteria for lymphodepletion and CAR-T cells infusion:
  • Before lymphocyte depletion and CAR-T cells infusion, patients are evaluated and those meeting the following criteria cannot be included:
  • Blood tests: neutrophil count < 2 × 109/L, platelet count < 50 × 10\^9/L;
  • Oxygen inhalation is required to maintain blood oxygen saturation ≥ 91%;
  • Patients have the following conditions, including but not limited to: new arrhythmia cannot be controlled by drugs; hypotension requiring pressor drugs; bacterial, fungal or viral infection requiring intravenous antibiotic treatment; creatinine clearance rate < 50 ml/min ;
  • Patients require maintenance support treatment within one week to meet the criteria for lymphodepletion or CAR T cell infusion.
  • Cell infusion is delayed > 7 days after lymphodepletion for any reason;
  • Patients with other conditions adjudicated by the investigator as unsuitable for lymphodepletion or cell infusion.

Study description and what participation involves

The registry record has no detailed description beyond the summary above.

AI summaryWhat participation may involve, in plain languageShow ▾Hide ▴

AI-written from the registry record, not the study's own wording. May contain errors or omissions. Check the registry text on this page and the original record ↗ before acting on it.

Participants undergo leukapheresis (blood cell collection) to make CT103A cells, receive a 3‑day IV lymphodepletion chemotherapy cycle (cyclophosphamide + fludarabine), then a single IV infusion of CT103A cells. Expect frequent blood tests, vital‑sign checks, ECGs and heart ultrasound monitoring, close safety observation, and follow‑up visits to track side effects and laboratory/biologic measures. The registry indicates some tests may include cerebrospinal fluid sampling and long‑term blood monitoring (timing and necessity are not specified in the record). Participants must agree to one year of contraception after infusion.

How the study is structured. Interventional, open-label (no masking), early Phase 1 treatment study with non-randomized, sequential dose escalation. Participants undergo leukapheresis to make CT103A cells, receive a 3-day lymphodepletion drug regimen (cyclophosphamide + fludarabine), then a single IV infusion of CT103A at a prespecified dose. Small cohorts are enrolled to assess dose-limiting toxicity and guide dose changes.

Questions you could ask

These questions are suggestions for a conversation with the study team or your own clinician, not advice.

  • This is an early-phase study, mainly about safety and dose. What is already known about this treatment?
  • The listed sites are in China. Is any of them reachable for me, and does the study help with travel?
  • Which of the eligibility criteria would need to be checked with tests before I could join?

More on autoimmune encephalitis

Important dates

Study start
Sep 22, 2020
Primary completion
Feb 22, 2027 (estimated)
Study completion
May 31, 2027 (estimated)
Target enrollment
36 participants (estimated)
Last updated on registry
Oct 30, 2024
Data verified
Oct 10, 2026

Sponsor and research team

The lead sponsor funds and oversees the trial. A pharmaceutical or biotech company sponsor typically means the study is testing that company's drug or device; a hospital, university, or government agency usually indicates investigator-initiated or publicly funded research.

Lead sponsor
Tongji Hospital
Principal investigator
Wei Wang, Professor of Neurology, President of Tongji Hospital
Tongji Hospital
Collaborators
  • Nanjing IASO Biotechnology Co., Ltd.

Central study contact

If you're interested in participating, the central contact can answer general questions about the study — including eligibility requirements and how to find a recruiting site near you. Actual eligibility is determined by the site's medical team.

Participating sites (1)

  • Tongji Hospital affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyRecruiting

    Wuhan, Hubei, 430000 · China

Terms used on this page · explanations by MedicalUpdates.ai

Chimeric antigen receptor
A treatment in which a person's own immune cells (T cells) are collected, modified in a laboratory to recognise a target, and returned to the body.
relapsed/refractory
A condition that has not responded to a treatment. 'Relapsed' means it responded and then came back; 'refractory' means it did not respond in the first place.
immunosuppressant
A medicine that reduces the activity of the immune system. Studies of autoimmune conditions often require a stable dose, a prior failure, or a washout of such medicines.
relapse
A condition that improved with treatment and has since returned or worsened.
before screening
The checks done before enrolment to see whether a person qualifies, such as tests, scans or a review of medical history.
standard treatment
Treatment generally considered appropriate for a condition in a particular clinical setting. It can vary by patient, place and over time. In many studies the new treatment is added to, or compared with, standard of care.
ULN
The highest value of a blood test that a laboratory considers normal. Criteria such as '≤ 3 × ULN' mean the result must be no more than three times that value.
MRI
A scan that uses magnets and radio waves, not X-rays, to make detailed pictures of the inside of the body. Some implants and metal objects mean a person cannot have one.
biopsy
Removal of a small piece of tissue so it can be examined under a microscope. 'Biopsy-proven' or 'histologically confirmed' means the diagnosis was confirmed by examining tissue under a microscope.
corticosteroid
Steroid medicines, such as prednisone, that reduce inflammation. Studies often require a stable dose at entry or measure whether the study treatment allows the dose to be reduced.
ECOG score
A scale from 0 to 5 that describes how a person's condition affects daily activity. 0 means fully active; 1 means restricted in strenuous activity; 2 means able to self-care but unable to work; higher numbers mean more limitation.
baseline
Measurements taken at the start of the study, before any study treatment, so that later results can be compared with them.
absolute neutrophil count
The number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that fights infection, in a blood sample. Studies often require it to be above a set level.
CrCl
A measure of kidney function, calculated from a blood creatinine level together with age, weight and sex.
Echocardiography
An ultrasound scan of the heart. A transesophageal echocardiogram is done through a probe passed into the food pipe for a closer view.
life expectancy
Some studies require that, in the investigator's judgement, a participant is likely to live long enough to complete the study period. It is a study requirement, not a prediction about any individual.
informed consent form
The process of explaining a study, including its risks and what participation involves, so that a person can decide freely whether to take part. Consent is usually documented in writing, and a participant can choose to leave the study later.
enrollment
The number of participants a study plans to include, or has included. 'Estimated' means the planned number; 'actual' means the number who joined.
Inclusion Criteria
The conditions a person must meet to be considered for the study, for example a confirmed diagnosis, an age range or a test result.
Exclusion Criteria
The conditions that rule a person out even if they meet the inclusion criteria, for example other illnesses, certain medicines or pregnancy.

The study record on this page is reproduced from ClinicalTrials.gov, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, where it was submitted by the study sponsor. MedicalUpdates.ai does not own this content, is not affiliated with or endorsed by ClinicalTrials.gov, NIH, or the U.S. Government, and does not verify the record. Plain-language notes, the glossary and the questions above are added by this site; text in the boxes marked "AI summary" was written by an AI model and may contain errors. Registry records change over time. Check the original record for the current version and discuss eligibility or participation with a qualified healthcare professional.

← Back to clinical trials