Anti-CD19 CAR T-cell therapy for systemic sclerosis

KYSA-5: A Phase 1/2, Open-Label, Multicentre Study of KYV 101, an Autologous Fully Human Anti-CD19 Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell (CD19 CAR T) Therapy, in Subjects With Systemic Sclerosis

Phase1; Phase2 Interventional Kyverna Therapeutics · NCT06400303

This study is testing a new treatment using CAR T-cell therapy to see if it can help adults with systemic sclerosis by targeting and reducing certain immune cells that contribute to the disease.

Quick facts

PhasePhase1; Phase2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment21 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorKyverna Therapeutics Industry-sponsored
Drugs / interventionsCAR-T, Chimeric Antigen Receptor, CAR T
Locations2 sites (Palo Alto, California and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06400303 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the use of KYV-101, an anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, in adults diagnosed with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The approach focuses on targeting and depleting B-cells, which are implicated in the autoimmune processes of SSc. Participants will undergo a standard lymphodepletion regimen prior to receiving the CAR T-cell therapy. The study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this innovative treatment in managing the symptoms and progression of systemic sclerosis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with a clinical diagnosis of diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis who have active disease and meet specific inclusion criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with clinically significant interstitial lung disease or prior treatments involving cellular therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly improve outcomes for patients with systemic sclerosis by targeting the underlying autoimmune mechanisms.

How similar studies have performed: While CAR T-cell therapies have shown success in hematological malignancies, their application in systemic sclerosis is novel and largely untested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Key Inclusion Criteria

1. Clinical diagnosis of SSc according to 2013 ACR/EULAR classification
2. Clinical disease as follows: Classified as diffuse cutaneous SSc; ≤ 6 years since first non-Raynaud's sign or symptom; active disease
3. Up to date on all recommended vaccinations per CDC or institutional guidelines for immune-compromised individuals

Key Exclusion Criteria

1. Clinically significant ILD
2. Prior treatment with cellular therapy (CAR-T) or gene therapy product directed at any target
3. History of allogeneic or autologous stem cell transplant
4. Evidence of active hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection
5. Positive serology for HIV
6. Primary immunodeficiency
7. History of splenectomy
8. History of stroke, seizure, dementia, Parkinson's disease, coordination movement disorder, cerebellar diseases, psychosis, paresis, aphasia, and any other neurologic disorder investigator considers would increase the risk for the subject
9. Impaired cardiac function or clinically significant cardiac disease
10. Previous or concurrent malignancy with the following exceptions:

    1. Adequately treated basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma (adequate wound healing is required prior to screening)
    2. In situ carcinoma of the cervix or breast, treated curatively and without evidence of recurrence for at least 3 years prior to screening
    3. A primary malignancy which has been completely resected, or treated, and is in complete remission for at least 5 years prior to screening

Where this trial is running

Palo Alto, California and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Systemic SclerosisSystemic Sclerosis - Diffuse CutaneousSystemic Sclerosis - 2013 ACR/EULAR Classification CriteriaKYV-101systemic sclerosisautoimmune diseaseanti-CD19 CAR-T therapycellular therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.