Tempest Therapeutics options CD7 lentiviral CAR-T platform from Senlang

Tempest Therapeutics (Nasdaq: TPST) has entered into an exclusive option agreement with Hebei Senlang Biotechnology Co., Ltd. to potentially license Senlang's CD7-targeted lentiviral vector platform and a portfolio of in vivo CAR-T product candidates, according to a press release dated Sept. 15, 2026.

The portfolio includes a BCMA/GPRC5D dual-targeting in vivo CAR-T candidate currently in Phase 1 dose escalation for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, along with additional candidates targeting hematologic malignancies and autoimmune diseases.

Senlang's platform uses targeted lentiviral vectors to deliver CAR transgenes to endogenous CD7-positive T cells and natural killer cells, generating CAR-T and CAR-NK cells directly within the patient, bypassing the individualized cell collection and external manufacturing required for conventional autologous CAR-T therapy.

Early clinical data from the Phase 1 study show in vivo CAR-T cell generation and expansion at the current highest evaluable dose. As of Aug. 25, 2026, no Grade 3 or higher cytokine release syndrome and no immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome had been observed. Patient enrollment and follow-up remain ongoing.

The potential license would complement Tempest's existing CD7-targeted lipid nanoparticle in vivo CAR-T delivery platform, which the company plans to advance into clinical trials later in 2026. Tempest's lead product candidate, TPST-4003, uses a CD19/BCMA dual-targeting CAR structure with a CD7-targeting delivery system.

"Upon exercise of the option, the CD7-targeted lentiviral platform would complement our targeted LNP platform, providing two distinct approaches to generating CAR-T cells directly within patients," said Matt Angel, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Tempest.

Tempest and Senlang said they will continue evaluating Phase 1 results and the broader product portfolio during the option period.

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