Cartesian reports Q2 2026 results, four clinical readouts expected within a year
Cartesian says AURORA Phase 3 data in MG are expected in early 2027, with a new in vivo partnership and $150 million credit facility extending cash runway into 2028.
Cartesian Therapeutics reported second quarter 2026 results on August 6, 2026, outlining progress across its Descartes-08 clinical programs. The company's Phase 3 AURORA trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of Descartes-08 versus placebo in about 100 patients with acetylcholine receptor autoantibody positive myasthenia gravis, given as six once-weekly outpatient infusions without preconditioning chemotherapy, with a primary endpoint measuring a three-point or greater improvement in MG-ADL score at Month 4.1 Data are expected in the first quarter of 2027, with a biologics license application planned for mid-2027, as stated in the release's headline summary.
The company also announced a new agreement with WestGene BioPharma. Under the partnership, Cartesian and WestGene will run a Phase 1 dose-escalation trial testing the mRNA used in Descartes-08 delivered through WestGene's targeted lipid nanoparticles in MG patients, using intravenous infusions across multiple dose levels with a Bayesian Optimal Interval adaptive design and translational assessments.1 WestGene received an upfront payment and is eligible for development and commercial milestone payments.1 The trial is expected to begin in the second half of 2026 with data expected in the first half of 2027, per the release.
The Phase 2 TRITON trial in myositis and the Phase 1/2 HELIOS pediatric trial in juvenile dermatomyositis both remain on track, with data from each expected in the first half of 2027, the company said.
On financing, the first $50 million term loan under the K2HV credit facility was funded at signing in May 2026, with a second $25 million tranche available between January and December 2027 subject to clinical and financing milestones, a third $25 million tranche available between January and June 2028 subject to approval and sales milestones, and an additional $50 million tranche available at the company's option subject to K2HV's discretion.1 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash totaled $149.3 million as of June 30, 2026, which the company said is expected to support planned operations, including completion of the ongoing AURORA trial, into 2028.1
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