CAR-T cell therapy has emerged as a revolutionary treatment for certain hematological malignancies, particularly relapsed/refractory B-cell malignancies, in the USA.
The FDA has approved six CAR-T cell products targeting CD19 and BCMA antigens for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), and multiple myeloma (MM).
Approved CAR-T Cell Products
Tisagenlecleucel (Kymriah, Novartis) and Brexucabtagene autoleucel (Tecartus, Gilead) for relapsed/refractory B-cell precursor ALL Axicabtagene ciloleucel (Yescarta, Gilead) and Lisocabtagene maraleucel (Breyanzi, Bristol Myers Squibb) for relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma Idecabtagene vicleucel (Abecma, Bristol Myers Squibb/Bluebird Bio) and Ciltacabtagene autoleucel (Carvykti, Legend/Janssen) for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.
These CAR-T cell therapies have demonstrated remarkable efficacy, with high response rates and durable remissions in patients who had exhausted other treatment options.
What is the life expectancy after CAR T-cell therapy?
The success rate and life expectancy following CAR-T therapy can vary due to multiple factors. Notably, some of the earliest recipients have experienced remarkable outcomes. For example, the first patient treated with CAR-T in 2010 has been cancer-free for 14 years, and Emily Whitehead, the first pediatric CAR-T patient treated in 2012, is thriving and studying at university today in 2024.
Source: Dr. Carl June lecture at the 6th EBMT
CAR-T cell therapy cost in USA
Below are several commercialized CAR-T cell products in the USA and their prices, as of 2024.
Swipe table to see all columns| Company | Product | Price | Target | Approved time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOVATIS | Kymriah | 475000 US dollars | CD19 | 2017.08 |
| Gilead Kite | Yescarta | 373000 US dollars | CD19 | 2017.10 |
| Gilead Kite | Tecartus | 373000 US dollars | CD19 | 2020.07 |
| Bristol-Myers Squibb | Breyanzi | 410300 US dollars | CD19 | 2021.03 |
| Blue Bird | Abecma | 419500 US dollars | BCMA | 2021.03 |
| Nanjing Legend Biotech | Carvikti | 465000 US dollars | BCMA | 2022.02 |
