A groundbreaking clinical trial has begun in the United Kingdom, in which the first patient underwent CAR T cell therapy—an innovative treatment method aimed at halting the progression of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This therapy, developed by researchers at University College London (UCL), represents an approach that has the potential to radically change the management of MS.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune neurodegenerative disease in which the immune system attacks the protective myelin sheath surrounding the nerve fibers of the central nervous system (CNS). The clinical symptoms are broad-spectrum and include motor, visual, cognitive deficits, and more. Although existing treatments help alleviate symptoms and reduce the frequency of relapses, none of them completely halt the disease’s progression.
What is CAR T Therapy?
CAR T cell therapy offers a radically innovative approach: it involves collecting the patient’s T lymphocytes, genetically modifying them to teach them the ability to selectively destroy harmful B cells, and subsequently reinfusing them. B cells play a crucial role in the autoimmune pathogenesis of MS. This process, referred to as an “immune reset,” aims to achieve long-term remission with a single infusion.
Emily Handers, a 37-year-old biology teacher with a confirmed diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), became the first British patient to undergo CAR T cell infusion (obe-cel) in October 2025 at UCL Hospital. Emily hopes that this therapy will stop further relapses and the progression of neurological symptoms.
The clinical trial, named AUTO1-MS1, is led by neurologist Dr. Wallace Brownlee (UCLH). The study aims to enroll up to 18 patients globally by early 2027. Special attention is paid to patients with relapsing or progressive MS who are resistant to existing disease-modifying therapies (DMTs).
If the research is completed successfully, this Phase I trial (the first in the UK) will fundamentally change the approach to treating autoimmune diseases. In addition to MS, this treatment model may be used to manage systemic lupus erythematosus and other similar pathologies.
Despite the promising clinical data, this therapy is still in the experimental phase in the context of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) management. Potential patients are required to consult with their treating neurologists to receive comprehensive information about the strict criteria for participation in the research program and the expected side effects.
Source: UCL
