Preventing cytokine release syndrome after CAR T-cell therapy

CTO1681 to prevent and mitigate cytokine release syndrome in CAR T-cell recipients

NIH-funded research Cytoagents, INC. · NIH-11195588

This tests an oral medicine called CTO1681 to prevent or lessen dangerous inflammatory reactions (cytokine release syndrome) in people getting CAR T-cell treatment for blood cancers.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCytoagents, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-11195588 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

You would take an oral drug called CTO1681 that is a purified active form of a compound related to beraprost. The drug is designed to lower the production of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines that can trigger a life-threatening cytokine storm after CAR T therapy. It is being developed specifically for people receiving CAR T-cell treatments for relapsed or refractory blood cancers. Doctors would likely monitor symptoms, blood markers, and side effects while using this drug around the time of CAR T-cell infusion.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People scheduled to receive or recently receiving CAR T-cell therapy for relapsed or refractory hematologic malignancies, particularly those at risk for CRS, would be the ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People who are not receiving CAR T-cell therapy or those with solid tumors unrelated to CAR T indications are unlikely to benefit from this drug.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, CTO1681 could reduce or prevent life-threatening cytokine storms after CAR T therapy, making the treatment safer.

How similar studies have performed: Existing CRS treatments like tocilizumab and steroids can treat symptoms, but CTO1681 is a novel oral approach aiming to prevent CRS by reducing cytokine production rather than only blocking individual cytokines.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Arterial Obstructive DiseasesArterial Obstructive DisorderArterial Occlusive DiseasesArterial Occlusive Disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.