Evaluating Descartes-08 for treating Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Descartes-08 for Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Phase 2 Interventional Cartesian Therapeutics · NCT06038474

This study is testing a new CAR T-cell treatment called Descartes-08 to see if it can help adults with active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus who are not getting better with current medications.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCartesian Therapeutics Industry-sponsored
Drugs / interventionsCAR T
Locations1 site (Oceanside, California)
Trial IDNCT06038474 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This Phase II study aims to assess the safety, tolerability, and manufacturing feasibility of Descartes-08 CAR T-cells in patients diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Participants must be adults experiencing active symptoms despite ongoing immunosuppressive treatments. The study will involve monitoring the effects of the CAR T-cell therapy on the disease's progression and symptom management.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with active SLE symptoms who have not responded adequately to multiple immunosuppressive therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with severe lupus nephritis or significant neurological symptoms related to SLE may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a novel therapeutic option for patients with difficult-to-manage SLE.

How similar studies have performed: While CAR T-cell therapies have shown promise in other autoimmune conditions, this specific application for SLE is relatively novel and untested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient must be at least 18 years of age.
* Patient must have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) at the time of screening.
* Active symptoms despite recent or ongoing immunosuppressive therapy with glucocorticoids and at least 2 other immunosuppressive medications being tried for at least 12 weeks within 24 months of screening.
* At least one of: anti-dsDNA, anti-histone, anti-chromatin, and/or anti-Sm antibodies detectable at screening as assessed by a CLIA-certified laboratory.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Active severe lupus nephritis, active severe CNS lupus, and/or neurological symptoms of SLE including headache, seizure, psychosis, and organic brain syndrome (a patient with an incidental headache, deemed unrelated to SLE, may re-screen by telephone upon resolution of the headache);
* Major chronic illness that is not well managed at the time of study entry and in the opinion of the investigator may increase the risk to the patient.
* Patient is pregnant or lactating.

Where this trial is running

Oceanside, California

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 Lupus ErythematosusDescartes-08CARTCAR-TAutoimmuneAuto-antibodyAuto antibodychimeric antigen receptor
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.