In vivo CAR-M: Strike Pharma files patent on T cell-depleting STR-2
A lipid nanoparticle that turns circulating monocytes into CAR-macrophages, pointed at the T cells driving autoimmune disease rather than the B cells in vivo CAR work has targeted so far. Strike Pharma has filed on STR-2 and named four candidate indications.
A CAR Delivered to Monocytes, Not Grown From Them
Strike Pharma has filed a patent application covering STR-2, its lead in vivo CAR-M candidate, aimed at T cell-driven inflammatory disease. The Lund company announced the filing on 3 November 2026.
STR-2 is a lipid nanoparticle carrying mRNA that encodes a CD2-directed chimeric antigen receptor. A CD14-targeting antibody, built on the company's affinity conjugation platform, steers the particle to monocytes in the circulation. Those monocytes migrate into inflamed tissue and mature into CAR-macrophages. There they deplete and modulate tissue-resident T cells, in particular activated and memory populations. The intended effect is transient: autoreactive T cells fall, then normal T cells re-infiltrate and reset the compartment.
The approach departs from in vivo CAR work to date in two respects. That work has largely meant CAR-T directed at B cells, whereas Strike points myeloid cells at T cells. The receptor is also expressed from mRNA delivered in the body, which removes apheresis, ex vivo engineering and patient-specific manufacturing.
The Diseases Strike Is Aiming At
The programme targets T cell-dependent autoimmune and inflammatory disorders where activated T cells carry a recognised pathogenic role. Strike names severe refractory asthma, psoriatic arthritis, multiple sclerosis and myositis with interstitial lung disease as potential applications.
The aim is selectivity. Rather than suppressing the immune system broadly, STR-2 depletes pathogenic T cells inside inflamed tissue, which Strike expects to give deeper and more durable disease control while preserving normal immune function.
Where STR-2 Sits in Strike's Pipeline
STR-2 leads an emerging portfolio of in vivo CAR-M programmes at Strike Pharma, directed at T cell depletion in autoimmune disease and in cancer. Underneath them sits the affinity conjugation platform, which attaches targeting units to lipid nanoparticles and can pair different particles with different targets.
Per Norlén, chief executive of Strike Pharma, positions STR-2 as extending in vivo CAR therapy into T cell-dependent conditions, combining targeted LNP delivery with transient mRNA expression and the tissue-homing biology of myeloid cells.
