CLDN18.2 CAR-iNKT cell preclinical data update
CLDN18.2 CAR induces effective killing of CLDN18.2-positive pancreatic cancer and gastric cancer cells when incorporated into iNKT cells in in vitro studies
CLDN18.2-directed CAR-iNKT cells mediated strong tumour control following repeated addition of cancer cells
Inclusion of IL-12-TM armouring enhances CLDN18.2 CAR-iNKT cell killing
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA, 01 April 2026: Arovella Therapeutics Ltd (ASX: ALA) ACN 090 987 250 (Arovella or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has confirmed the functionality of its novel claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2)-targeting chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) in iNKT cells, and its IL-12-TM armouring technology has been added to demonstrate enhanced effectiveness.
Arovella’s CEO and Managing Director, Dr Michael Baker, commented, “It is terrific to see the potent and durable activity of iNKT cells incorporating our novel and proprietary CLDN18.2-targeting CAR combined with IL-12-TM cytokine armouring technology against both gastric and pancreatic cancer cells. This is an important milestone for the company as we expand our pipeline to target difficult to treat solid tumours. We are highly encouraged by the durability of the CLDN18.2 CAR-iNKT cells expressing IL-12-TM in controlling tumour cells, particularly after multiple serial tumour challenges. These studies intentionally push the cells to the limit, and we are excited by the data.”
To hear more from our CEO and MD about the data, please watch the video below.