New indication for second-line-plus acute lymphoblastic leukemia means Tecartus will compete with Novartis’s Kymriah, although the Gilead/Kite product is approved for older patient base.

The approval of China's second CAR-T therapy has come amid reimbursement challenges, despite the pricing of its direct competitor being much lower than in the US. Chinese developers are pinning their hopes on rapid domestic market expansion via commercial insurance tie-ups as other CAR-Ts move through local development.

Appeals court finds that Juno/BMS patent is invalid, overturning $1.2bn jury verdict against Kite/Gilead. Ruling illustrates court does not like functionally-defined patent claims, attorneys say. Decision could impact future CAR-T patents and disputes.

After immuno-oncology, cell therapies such as CAR-Ts have attracted millions of dollars of funding in China and one former executive is now sailing into the largely uncharted waters of natural killer cells.