Investigating a new cell therapy for pemphigus vulgaris

A Phase 1/2, Open-label, Safety and Dosing Study of Autologous CART Cells (Desmoglein 3 Chimeric Autoantibody Receptor T Cells [DSG3-CAART] or CD19-specific Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells [CABA-201]) in Subjects With Active, Pemphigus Vulgaris

Phase1; Phase2 Interventional Cabaletta Bio · NCT04422912

This study is testing a new cell therapy for people with pemphigus vulgaris who haven't found relief with standard treatments to see if it can help them feel better.

Quick facts

PhasePhase1; Phase2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCabaletta Bio Industry-sponsored
Drugs / interventionsRituximab, Prednisone, CART, Chimeric Antigen Receptor
Locations13 sites (Redwood City, California and 12 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04422912 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This phase 1/2 open-label study evaluates the safety and dosing of autologous CART cells, specifically DSG3-CAART and CABA-201, in patients with active pemphigus vulgaris who have not responded adequately to standard treatments. The study aims to determine the maximum tolerated dose and optimal infusion schedule for DSG3-CAART, while also assessing the safety and efficacy of CABA-201 without preconditioning. Patients will be monitored for clinical responses and potential remission of their disease.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of mucosal pemphigus vulgaris who have not adequately responded to standard immunosuppressive therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with active cutaneous lesions or those currently on high doses of prednisone may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could lead to complete and durable remission for patients suffering from pemphigus vulgaris.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies using CAR-T therapies have shown promise in other autoimmune conditions, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for DSG3-CAART: Closed to enrollment

* Confirmed diagnosis of mPV by prior or screening biopsy and prior positive anti- DSG3 antibody ELISA
* mPV inadequately managed by at least one standard immunosuppressive therapies
* Active mPV at screening
* Anti-DSG3 antibody ELISA positive at screening

Inclusion Criteria for CABA-201 sub-study: Open to enrollment

* Age ≥18
* Confirmed diagnosis of PV by prior or screening biopsy and prior positive DSG3 ELISA, IIF, and/or DIF
* PV inadequately managed by at least one standard immunosuppressive therapy
* Active PV at screening
* DSG3 ELISA positive at screening

Exclusion Criteria:

* Active cutaneous lesions associated with PV that indicates mucocutaneous rather than mucosal-dominant disease
* Rituximab in last 12 months unless PV symptoms have recently worsened or anti-DSG3 antibody titers have recently increased
* Prednisone \> 0.25mg/kg/day
* Other autoimmune disorder requiring immunosuppressive therapies
* Investigational treatment in last 3 months

Exclusion Criteria for CABA-201 sub-study

* Have paraneoplastic pemphigus or active malignancy (not including non-melanoma skin cancer) or malignancy diagnosed within the previous 5 years
* Have received rituximab or other anti-CD20 or anti-CD19 therapies in last 12 months unless anti-DSG3 antibody titers have recently increased or PV symptoms have recently worsened
* Prednisone \> 0.25mg/kg/day
* Other autoimmune disorder requiring immunosuppressive therapies
* Treatment with any investigational agent within 4 weeks or 5 half-lives, whichever is longer.

Where this trial is running

Redwood City, California and 12 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 Pemphigus VulgarisPemphigusCAAR-T TherapyCAR-T TherapyDesmoglein 3Cell TherapyAutoimmune DiseaseAutoimmunity
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.