Next-Generation Immunotherapies
In vivo CAR T Engineering and Beyond
5/14/2026 - May 15, 2026 ALL TIMES EDT
Access to immunotherapies is entering a transformative new phase as in vivo CAR T approaches move from concept to clinic. By engineering T cells directly inside the body, these next-generation immunotherapies promise to overcome the manufacturing, cost, and access hurdles that have limited traditional ex vivo CAR T treatments. Cambridge Healthtech Institute’s 5th Annual Next-Generation Immunotherapies conference showcases the latest companies, clinical updates and scientific breakthroughs in in vivo CAR T, gene delivery, nanoparticle and mRNA platforms, payload design, and in-body reprogramming strategies driving this fast-growing market. Hear from pioneers advancing scalable, accessible, and globally deployable CAR T therapies—and explore how in vivo engineering is redefining the future of immunotherapy.

Sunday, May 10

Recommended Pre-Conference Short Course

SC3: Challenges and Opportunities in Solid Tumor and Autoimmune Disease Therapeutics

*Separate registration required. See short course page for details.

Tuesday, May 12

Recommended Dinner Short Course

SC8: The Dark Proteome: Unlocking Novel Targets for Next-Generation Biologics

*Separate registration required. See short course page for details.

Thursday, May 14

Registration Open

Entrepeneur Breakfast

Panel Moderator:

From Scientist to Start-Up: An Interactive Entrepreneurship Breakfast

Photo of Catharine Smith, Executive Director, Termeer Foundation , Executive Director , Termeer Foundation
Catharine Smith, Executive Director, Termeer Foundation , Executive Director , Termeer Foundation

Join us for an interactive breakfast conversation on the journey from scientist to entrepreneur, featuring founder, CSO, CEO, and investor perspectives. Panelists will share how they navigated the leap from postdoc to scientist to startup leadership, from securing initial funding and building teams to cultivating networks of mentors and advisors.

Transition to Sessions

Organizer's Organizer's Remarks

IN VIVO CAR T: PRECLINICAL TO CLINICAL

Chairperson's Remarks

Photo of Adrian Bot, MD, PhD, Former CSO, Executive Vice President, R&D, Capstan Therapeutics , Chief Scientific Officer & Executive Vice President , R&D , Capstan Therapeutics
Adrian Bot, MD, PhD, Former CSO, Executive Vice President, R&D, Capstan Therapeutics , Chief Scientific Officer & Executive Vice President , R&D , Capstan Therapeutics

Immunotherapy Landscape: The in vivo Opportunity for Solving Industry-Wide Unmet Need

Photo of Ryan Crisman, PhD, Co-Founder & CTO, Umoja Biopharma , Co Founder & CTO , Umoja Biopharma
Ryan Crisman, PhD, Co-Founder & CTO, Umoja Biopharma , Co Founder & CTO , Umoja Biopharma

Autologous CAR T cells revolutionized treatment in 2017 with the first FDA approvals, delivering curative outcomes after a decade without new drugs. Yet, access remains limited by complex manufacturing, specialized care sites, and intensive monitoring. In vivo CAR T approaches aim to overcome these barriers—advancing the therapy’s reach and impact. Umoja’s VivoVec platform exemplifies this next wave of innovation in making CAR T therapies more accessible and scalable.

Leveraging Targeted Lentiviral Vectors for in vivo CAR-Cell Generation

Photo of James I. Andorko, PhD, Director, In Vivo Discovery, Kite Pharma (formerly Interius BioTherapeutics Inc.) , Director , In Vivo Discovery , Kite Pharma
James I. Andorko, PhD, Director, In Vivo Discovery, Kite Pharma (formerly Interius BioTherapeutics Inc.) , Director , In Vivo Discovery , Kite Pharma

Lentiviral vectors provide a platform for in vivo delivery of genetic medicines and a means to simplify CAR T cell therapy. Here, we have designed an engineered delivery system to specifically target and transduce cells directly inside the body following a single intravenous injection. Preclinical mouse and non-human primate models supported advancement to a Phase 1 trial evaluating the safety of INT2104 in refractory/relapsing B-cell malignancies.

Latest Developments in in vivo CAR T: Transient vs. Viral Delivery

Photo of John Rossi, PhD, Vice President, Translational Medicine, Capstan Therapeutics , Vice President , Translational Medicine , Capstan Therapeutics
John Rossi, PhD, Vice President, Translational Medicine, Capstan Therapeutics , Vice President , Translational Medicine , Capstan Therapeutics

Coffee Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing

PLENARY FIRESIDE CHAT

Plenary Fireside Chat Introduction

Photo of Eric Smith, PhD, Executive Director, Bispecifics, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Executive Director , Bispecifics , Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Eric Smith, PhD, Executive Director, Bispecifics, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Executive Director , Bispecifics , Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Panel Moderator:

PANEL DISCUSSION:
How to Think about Designing Smart Biologics in the Age of GenAI: Integrating Biology, Technology, and Experience

Photo of Christopher J. Langmead, PhD, AI-Driven Molecular Design, Danaher Corporation , Vice President , AI-Driven Molecular Design , Danaher
Christopher J. Langmead, PhD, AI-Driven Molecular Design, Danaher Corporation , Vice President , AI-Driven Molecular Design , Danaher

Panelists:

Photo of Surge Biswas, PhD, Founder & CEO, Nabla Bio, Inc. , Founder & CEO , Nabla Bio Inc
Surge Biswas, PhD, Founder & CEO, Nabla Bio, Inc. , Founder & CEO , Nabla Bio Inc
Photo of Rebecca Croasdale-Wood, PhD, Senior Director, Augmented Biologics Discovery & Design, Biologics Engineering, Oncology, AstraZeneca , Senior Director Augmented Biologics Discovery & Design , Augmented Biologics Discovery & Design , AstraZeneca
Rebecca Croasdale-Wood, PhD, Senior Director, Augmented Biologics Discovery & Design, Biologics Engineering, Oncology, AstraZeneca , Senior Director Augmented Biologics Discovery & Design , Augmented Biologics Discovery & Design , AstraZeneca
Photo of Joshua Meier, Co-Founder & CEO, Chai Discovery , Cofounder & CEO , Chai Discovery
Joshua Meier, Co-Founder & CEO, Chai Discovery , Cofounder & CEO , Chai Discovery
Photo of Maria Wendt, PhD, Global Head (Vice President) of Digital and Biologics Strategy and Innovation, Large Molecule Research, Novel Modalities, Synthetic Biology and AI, Sanofi , Global Head and Vice President , Digital and Biologics Strategy and Innovation , Sanofi
Maria Wendt, PhD, Global Head (Vice President) of Digital and Biologics Strategy and Innovation, Large Molecule Research, Novel Modalities, Synthetic Biology and AI, Sanofi , Global Head and Vice President , Digital and Biologics Strategy and Innovation , Sanofi

Networking Luncheon in the Exhibit Hall and Last Chance for Poster Viewing

IN VIVO CAR T: PRECLINICAL TO CLINICAL

Chairperson's Remarks

Adrian Bot, MD, PhD, Former CSO, Executive Vice President, R&D, Capstan Therapeutics , Chief Scientific Officer & Executive Vice President , R&D , Capstan Therapeutics

Toward the Democratization of CAR T Cell Therapies for Cancer

Photo of Kevin M. Friedman, PhD, CEO, Kelonia Therapeutics Inc. , CEO , Kelonia Therapeutics Inc
Kevin M. Friedman, PhD, CEO, Kelonia Therapeutics Inc. , CEO , Kelonia Therapeutics Inc

Kelonia’s iGPS platform is redefining the CAR T cell landscape by shifting from complex, costly ex vivo manufacturing to in vivo gene delivery that enables CAR T cell generation directly inside the patient. Preclinical data suggests that by harnessing iGPS technology Kelonia’s lead program, KLN-1010, could potentially maintain or even improve the transformative clinical responses that have made CAR T cell therapy a breakthrough for patients suffering from multiple myeloma.

Transforming Immunotherapy through Multi-Immune Cell Programming in Vivo

Photo of Robert J. Hofmeister, PhD, CSO, CREATE Medicines , CSO , Create Medicines
Robert J. Hofmeister, PhD, CSO, CREATE Medicines , CSO , Create Medicines

CREATE Medicines develops mRNA-based immunotherapies to directly program immune cells in vivo thereby eliminating complex ex vivo manufacturing and reduced time to treatment. Cell-specific CAR mRNA products delivered through lipid nanoparticles, enable us to launch a multi-immune cell attack on cancer or autoreactive cells. Preclinical studies in mice and non-human primates highlight the potential of a multi-pronged in vivo cell therapy to drive stronger and longer-lasting outcomes for patients.

Panel Moderator:

PANEL DISCUSSION:
Learnings from Current in vivo CAR T Programs

Photo of Adrian Bot, MD, PhD, Former CSO, Executive Vice President, R&D, Capstan Therapeutics , Chief Scientific Officer & Executive Vice President , R&D , Capstan Therapeutics
Adrian Bot, MD, PhD, Former CSO, Executive Vice President, R&D, Capstan Therapeutics , Chief Scientific Officer & Executive Vice President , R&D , Capstan Therapeutics

Panelists:

Photo of Ryan Crisman, PhD, Co-Founder & CTO, Umoja Biopharma , Co Founder & CTO , Umoja Biopharma
Ryan Crisman, PhD, Co-Founder & CTO, Umoja Biopharma , Co Founder & CTO , Umoja Biopharma
Photo of James I. Andorko, PhD, Director, In Vivo Discovery, Kite Pharma (formerly Interius BioTherapeutics Inc.) , Director , In Vivo Discovery , Kite Pharma
James I. Andorko, PhD, Director, In Vivo Discovery, Kite Pharma (formerly Interius BioTherapeutics Inc.) , Director , In Vivo Discovery , Kite Pharma

Networking Refreshment Break

LIPID NANOPARTICLES FOR IN VIVO CAR T

Latest Developments in LNP Delivery for in vivo Engineering

Photo of Hamideh Parhiz, PharmD, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania , Assistant Professor of , Pharmacology , University of Pennsylvania
Hamideh Parhiz, PharmD, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania , Assistant Professor of , Pharmacology , University of Pennsylvania

Targeted delivery of RNA-based therapeutics for in vivo cellular reprogramming holds significant potential. In this talk, I will explain how we can selectively target mRNA therapeutics to specific cells and cell subtypes using antibody-modified lipid nanoparticles. Additionally, I will discuss the recent potential applications we’ve explored with this platform technology.

The Development of a Lipid Nanoparticle Platform for in vivo CAR T

Photo of Andrew J. Sawyer, PhD, Distinguished Scientist & Oncology Project Lead, Immune Cell Reprogramming, Sanofi Group , Distinguished Scientist & Oncology Project Lead , Immune Cell Reprogramming , Sanofi
Andrew J. Sawyer, PhD, Distinguished Scientist & Oncology Project Lead, Immune Cell Reprogramming, Sanofi Group , Distinguished Scientist & Oncology Project Lead , Immune Cell Reprogramming , Sanofi

CAR T cell therapy has set a new benchmark in patients with certain hematologic malignancies, but significant barriers to patient access remain. In this talk we will present the design and characterization of an LNP system designed to reprogram T cells in vivo. This system can specifically transfect T cells with an active CAR in vitro and in vivo and has the potential to revolutionize patient access to cell therapies.

Extra-Hepatic Delivery of Nucleic Acids via LNPs

Photo of Jagesh V. Shah, PhD, Senior Vice President, Head of Platform, Mirai Bio , Senior Vice President, Head of Platform , Stealth Startup (Flagship Pioneering)
Jagesh V. Shah, PhD, Senior Vice President, Head of Platform, Mirai Bio , Senior Vice President, Head of Platform , Stealth Startup (Flagship Pioneering)

Extrahepatic targeting for genetics medicines remains a key challenge. Mirai Bio has built an open platform driven by machine intelligence and in vivo barcoding to develop next-generation ionizable lipids and formulations. These base LNPs can be tuned for high on-target delivery to chosen cell types and favorable off-target selectivity, specifically reduced liver delivery. Further increases in potency and selectivity are seen through the addition of targeting moieties to the surface.

Close of Day

Friday, May 15

Registration Open

INTERACTIVE ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS

Interactive Roundtable Discussions with Continental Breakfast

Interactive Roundtable Discussions are informal, moderated discussions, allowing participants to exchange ideas and experiences and develop future collaborations around a focused topic. Each discussion will be led by a facilitator who keeps the discussion on track and the group engaged. To get the most out of this format, please come prepared to share examples from your work, be a part of a collective, problem-solving session, and participate in active idea sharing. Please visit the Interactive Roundtable Discussions page on the conference website for a complete listing of topics and descriptions.

Presentation to be Announced

BEYOND FIRST-GENERATION IN VIVO CAR T

Chairperson's Remarks

Sara M. Mangsbo, PhD, Professor, Pharmacy, Uppsala University , Professor , Pharmacy , Uppsala University

T Cell Targeted Vectors for in vivo CAR Delivery

Photo of Christian J. Buchholz, PhD, Professor & Head, Molecular Biotechnology & Gene Therapy, Paul Ehrlich Institut , Prof & Head , Molecular Biotechnology & Gene Therapy , Paul Ehrlich Institut
Christian J. Buchholz, PhD, Professor & Head, Molecular Biotechnology & Gene Therapy, Paul Ehrlich Institut , Prof & Head , Molecular Biotechnology & Gene Therapy , Paul Ehrlich Institut

Highly effective, yet complex to manufacture, simplifying CAR T cell generation is at the forefront of current research. The recent progress in generating CAR T cells directly in the patient relies heavily on vector technology, particularly high selectivity for T lymphocytes. This presentation will discuss different vector platforms focusing especially on engineering strategies for lentiviral vectors, AAV vectors and lipid nanoparticles displaying DARPins recognizing T cell marker as entry receptor.

In vivo Site-Specific of Large DNA Payload to Reprogram T Cells

Photo of Justin Eyquem, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco , Associate Professor , Medicine , Univ of California San Francisco
Justin Eyquem, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco , Associate Professor , Medicine , Univ of California San Francisco

Here we demonstrate that stable and cell-specific transgene expression can be achieved through in vivo site-specific integration of large DNA payloads. We developed a two-vector system to deliver CRISPR-Cas9 and DNA template. We optimized both vectors for specificity of delivery to T cells and knock-in efficiency. By integrating a CAR transgene into a T cell-specific locus we generated in vivo therapeutic levels of CAR T cells in hematological and solid malignancies.

Streamlined Fusion Protein Surface Decorated LNP for Specific Drug Delivery of mRNA Therapeutics

Photo of Sara M. Mangsbo, PhD, Professor, Pharmacy, Uppsala University , Professor , Pharmacy , Uppsala University
Sara M. Mangsbo, PhD, Professor, Pharmacy, Uppsala University , Professor , Pharmacy , Uppsala University

Targeted delivery of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) using protein-based strategies presents a promising opportunity to broaden the clinical application of RNA therapeutics. Conjugation strategies enable the decoration of LNPs with antibodies or antibody fragments; however, scalable production remains a significant challenge. In this study, we evaluated the integration of a synthetically engineered peptide tag-lipid into LNPs, alongside an ApoE2-tag design that facilitates rapid antibody conjugation while preserving particle integrity during storage and large-scale production.

Networking Coffee Break

NEXT-GENERATION IMMUNOTHERAPIES

Therapeutic mRNA Cancer Vaccine by CATP

Photo of Yingzhong Li, PhD, President, SunVax mRNA Therapeutics , President , SunVax mRNA Therapeutics
Yingzhong Li, PhD, President, SunVax mRNA Therapeutics , President , SunVax mRNA Therapeutics

One of the hurdles of mRNA technologies is to achieve sufficient therapeutic payload. Higher dosages often have increasing toxicities while lower dosages are difficult to reach the therapeutic threshold, even with frequent dosage. To address this hurdle, we developed a CATP system, co-delivering self-amplifying mRNA (SamRNA) and modified mRNA encoding alphavirus capsids and envelopes. The CATP system initiates a dual-amplification process: SamRNA amplifies therapeutic payloads within transfected cells, while capsid and envelope proteins package SamRNA into defective viral particles to infect neighboring cells, enabling secondary payload amplification and offering new opportunities for overcoming payload limitations across diverse malignancies.

Non-Viral Gene-Editing Approaches for Next-Generation CAR T Cell Therapies: Harnessing C4DNA-Mediated Genomic Integration

Photo of Hao Howard Wu, PhD, Co-Founder & CSO, Full Circles Therapeutics , Co Founder & CSO , Full Circles Therapeutics
Hao Howard Wu, PhD, Co-Founder & CSO, Full Circles Therapeutics , Co Founder & CSO , Full Circles Therapeutics

Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based donors for genome engineering face safety, manufacturing, and size limitations. At Full Circles, we developed C4DNA, a non-viral genome writing platform producing mini-circular single-stranded DNAs up to ~20 kb for precise, efficient transgene integration. C4DNA platform achieves up to 70% knock-in efficiency in iPSCs and enable robust editing across primary immune cells using diverse nuclease systems. In CAR T and NK cells, C4DNA demonstrates superior precision, safety, and scalability, overcoming key challenges of dsDNA and lssDNA donors. This technology establishes a new foundation for next-generation non-viral immune cell therapies in oncology and autoimmune diseases.

Drug-Regulated Synthetic Cytokine Receptors for Controlled in vivo Expansion of Cell Therapies

Photo of Louai Labanieh, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , Assistant Professor , Cancer Immunotherapy , Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Louai Labanieh, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , Assistant Professor , Cancer Immunotherapy , Mount Sinai School of Medicine

Delivering cytokine signals to engineered T cells expands them to therapeutic levels, but systemic cytokines or constitutive signaling cause toxicities. Tools for safely expanding CAR T cells using small molecule-inducible systems are lacking. We developed modular synthetic cytokine receptor platforms delivering cytokine signals (gamma chain cytokines and others) via an FDA-approved small molecule. CAR T cells expressing these receptors demonstrate enhanced expansion, persistence, and anti-tumor efficacy in difficult-to-treat tumor models in vivo.

Close of Summit


For more details on the conference, please contact:

Daniel Barry

Senior Conference Director

Cambridge Healthtech Institute

Phone: (+44) 7837-651-303

Email: dbarry@healthtech.com

 

For sponsorship information, please contact:

Companies A-K

Jason Gerardi

Sr. Manager, Business Development

Cambridge Healthtech Institute

Phone: 781-972-5452

Email: jgerardi@healthtech.com

 

Companies L-Z

Ashley Parsons

Manager, Business Development

Cambridge Healthtech Institute

Phone: 781-972-1340

Email: ashleyparsons@healthtech.com


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