Success Story:VitaCell™Customized Delivery for CAR-T Cells in Glioblastoma
Challenge
Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive brain cancers, with limited treatment options and poor survival rates. CAR-T cell therapy offers a targeted approach but faces significant hurdles: poor persistence, loss of function in the hostile tumor microenvironment, and uncontrolled distribution that can reduce efficacy and increase toxicity. Without a protective and controlled delivery method, many CAR-T cells die or lose potency before they can mount an effective anti-tumor response.
Solution
Likarda’s VitaCell™ hydrogel platform was customized to encapsulate CAR-T cells for controlled, localized release over three weeks. Four distinct CSS® hydrogel formulations were tested, each designed to maintain cell health while tuning release kinetics to match therapeutic needs. Encapsulation cushioned cells from stress, preserved their viability, and allowed precise modulation of when and how cells were released into the tumor environment.
Outcome
Across all formulations, CAR-T cells showed significantly improved survival compared to unencapsulated controls, with metabolic activity increasing over time. The best-performing formulation provided both robust cell health and the most favorable controlled-release profile, ensuring a steady presence of functional CAR-T cells in the target site throughout the treatment window.
Impact
VitaCell™ demonstrates how hydrogel-based delivery can overcome major limitations in CAR-T therapy for solid tumors like glioblastoma—offering a path to higher efficacy, reduced dosing frequency, and potentially improved patient outcomes. By integrating immune-cell protection with tunable release kinetics, VitaCell™ brings a new level of precision and durability to next-generation cancer immunotherapies.
