EQUECABTAGENE AUTOLEUCEL
(CT053) CHINA'S BCMA CAR-T
Equecabtagene autoleucel (CT053/Carteyva) is China's domestically approved fully-human BCMA CAR-T for r/r multiple myeloma β with CR rates >80% and costs significantly below Carvykti in the USA.
analyticsAt a Glance
- check_circleCT053 targets BCMA, a protein highly expressed on myeloma plasma cells
- check_circlePhase II trial data shows overall response rates above 85% in relapsed/refractory myeloma
- check_circleApproved by NMPA in China; not yet approved in the US or EU as of 2024
- check_circleRequires specialist haematology infrastructure β not available at all centres in China
What Is Equecabtagene Autoleucel?
Equecabtagene autoleucel (Carteyva, CT053) is a BCMA-directed autologous CAR-T developed by Juventas Therapeutics and IASO Bio, approved by China's NMPA for r/r multiple myeloma.
Fully Human Design
Unlike Carvykti (VHH camelid domain) and murine-based products, CT053 uses a fully human anti-BCMA scFv. This may reduce immunogenicity and improve durability.
LUMMICAR Trial Data
LUMMICAR-1 and LUMMICAR-2: ORR 91β96%, CR/sCR rate 67β83%, MRD negativity >90%. Comparable efficacy to Carvykti in similar populations.
CT053 vs Carvykti
| Feature | CT053 (Equecabtagene) | Carvykti (Ciltacabtagene) |
|---|---|---|
| BCMA binding domain | Fully human scFv | VHH (camelid-derived) |
| ORR (r/r myeloma) | 91β96% | 97.9% (CARTITUDE-1) |
| CR/sCR rate | 67β83% | 82.5% |
| China cost | $90,000β130,000 | $130,000β160,000 |
| US approval | Not approved | $465,000 (J&J) |
Frequently Asked Questions
About CT053
Is equecabtagene available outside China?
Not yet commercially. LUMMICAR-2 trial enrolled internationally and data has been submitted to FDA/EMA. International patients can currently access it in China at approved centres with CancerFax coordination.
How does cost compare to other BCMA CAR-T products?
In China, equecabtagene is priced at $90,000β130,000 β less than Carvykti in China ($130,000β160,000) and dramatically less than the $465,000 US list price for Carvykti. It is one of the most affordable approved BCMA CAR-T options globally.
How CancerFax Helps
CancerFax is a specialist cancer access and patient-navigation platform. We help patients and families understand their options, organise medical records, coordinate hospital communication, and support cross-border treatment planning where appropriate.
We help collect and organise reports, scans, pathology, biomarker results, and treatment history for structured case review.
We communicate with hospitals or trial teams to assess whether a case may be suitable for further screening.
We support appointment coordination, document submission, translation, and direct communication with international departments.
For international patients, we help with practical coordination β travel planning, hospital admission guidance, and local support.
If this option is not suitable, we help explore other relevant treatments, clinical trials, or advanced care pathways.
From inquiry through to follow-up, our coordinators provide a single point of contact for the family.
CancerFax does not guarantee treatment access, eligibility, or clinical outcome. Our role is to help patients access accurate information, structured review, and appropriate specialist pathways.
Interested in CT053 / Equecabtagene Access?
CancerFax coordinates access to equecabtagene autoleucel at NMPA-approved Chinese centres for international patients.
For informational purposes only. Consult a haematologist before treatment decisions.