Preventing cytokine release syndrome after CAR T-cell therapy
Official title: CTO1681 to prevent and mitigate cytokine release syndrome in CAR T-cell recipients
Funded at Cytoagents, INC. · NIH-11195588 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cytoagents, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,005,131 |
| NIH project number | 5R44CA287634-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11195588 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
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Cytoagents, INC.
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bertolino, Arthur P — Cytoagents, INC.
- Study coordinator: Bertolino, Arthur P
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.