SynthNode: A new, easier way to make CAR T cells for better cancer treatment
Official title: The SynthNode Paradigm: Reimagining CAR T Cell Therapy for Improved Patient Outcomes
Funded at Persistence Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-11457453 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new implantable device called SynthNode could simplify and lower the cost of CAR T cell therapy, helping patients with lymphoma, myeloma, and potentially solid tumors or lupus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Persistence Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $818,764 |
| NIH project number | 4R44CA310319-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11457453 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with lymphoma, myeloma, solid tumors, or lupus who might benefit from CAR T cell therapy and could participate in related manufacturing or clinical evaluation efforts.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose cancer types are not responsive to CAR T therapy or who cannot undergo such cellular therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to change how CAR T cell therapy is produced, making it faster, cheaper, and more accessible. It introduces an implantable device the size of a dime that mimics a lymph node to create potent CAR T cells inside the patient’s body. The approach seeks to reduce manufacturing delays and improve the durability and effectiveness of the therapy. If successful, it could expand access to CAR T therapy for patients who currently face long wait times or insufficient production capacity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive CAR T therapy more quickly, at lower cost, and with stronger, longer-lasting tumor-fighting cells.
How similar studies have gone: Previous CAR T manufacturing approaches have improved potency, but this device-based method is a novel direction that has not yet demonstrated real-world success in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Persistence Therapeutics, INC.
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Agarwalla, Pritha — Persistence Therapeutics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Agarwalla, Pritha
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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.