Australian biotechnology company AdAlta Limited and its cellular immunotherapy subsidiary AdCella have announced a development partnership with Shanghai Cell Therapy Group (SHcell) to advance BZDS1901, a first-in-class CAR-T therapy. In early clinical data, BZDS1901 demonstrated a 63.5% response rate in patients with advanced mesothelioma.
The collaboration, announced January 15, 2026, represents progress in the ongoing effort to develop CAR-T therapies for solid tumors. While CAR-T treatments have transformed care for some blood cancers, adapting them for solid tumors like mesothelioma has proven more difficult.
BZDS1901 Clinical Results
Early clinical data from BZDS1901 showed the following results in patients with advanced mesothelioma:
- 63.5% objective response rate, including one complete response
- 73% of treated patients survived more than 12 months
For context, current standard treatments for mesothelioma typically yield response rates of 11–29% and median overall survival of 8.4–8.7 months.
How BZDS1901 Works
BZDS1901 targets mesothelin (MSLN)—a protein highly expressed on mesothelioma cells as well as non-small cell lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and pancreatic cancer cells.
What distinguishes BZDS1901 from other mesothelin-targeting CAR-T approaches is its “armored” design. The therapy includes a PD-1-blocking nanobody that helps CAR-T cells resist immune suppression within the tumor microenvironment. This immune suppression is one of the key challenges that has limited CAR-T effectiveness in solid tumors.
Manufacturing Advantages
BZDS1901 can be produced in under two days, compared to 9–10 days for most CAR-T therapies. This is achieved using a proprietary mRNA-delivered enzyme rather than expensive viral vectors, resulting in a more cost-efficient and scalable production process.
Faster manufacturing could improve patient access by reducing the wait time between cell collection and treatment infusion. For patients with fast-growing cancers, this shorter timeline may be clinically meaningful.
Development Plans
Under the collaboration agreement, AdCella will:
- Establish CAR-T manufacturing capabilities in Australia
- Conduct a phase 1 clinical trial in up to 18 patients
- Invest US$22–31 million over the next four years
SHcell retains commercialization rights in China, while AdCella holds rights for all markets outside greater China. The companies will share net economic proceeds from any commercialization on a 60/40 basis in favor of AdCella.
Market Context
The global mesothelioma drug market is projected to reach $12.2 billion by 2034. Several CAR-T programs are under development for mesothelioma, including SynKIR-110, which received FDA Fast Track designation in 2024.
The partnership represents what the companies describe as an “East to West” strategy—leveraging scientific innovation from China alongside Australian clinical and manufacturing capabilities.
What This Means for Patients
BZDS1901 remains in early clinical development, and larger trials will be needed to confirm these initial results. However, the response rate data suggests it could eventually offer another treatment option for patients who have progressed on standard therapies.
Patients interested in CAR-T therapy options should discuss clinical trial eligibility with their oncologist or a mesothelioma specialist. The phase 1 trial is expected to begin recruiting once manufacturing capabilities are established in Australia.
BZDS1901 remains in early clinical development. Larger trials will be needed to confirm these initial results. Patients interested in CAR-T therapy should discuss clinical trial eligibility with their oncologist or mesothelioma specialist.
What is BZDS1901 and how does it work?▼
BZDS1901 is a first-in-class CAR-T cell therapy that targets mesothelin, a protein highly expressed on mesothelioma cells. What distinguishes it from other CAR-T approaches is its “armored” design—it includes a PD-1-blocking nanobody that helps CAR-T cells resist immune suppression within the tumor.
How do these results compare to current treatments?▼
The 63.5% response rate is significantly higher than standard treatments for mesothelioma, which typically yield response rates of 11–29%. Additionally, 73% of patients survived more than 12 months, compared to typical median survival of 8.4–8.7 months with standard therapies.
When will this treatment be available?▼
BZDS1901 is still in early development. AdCella plans to conduct a phase 1 clinical trial in up to 18 patients in Australia, with US$22–31 million investment over the next four years. The treatment is not yet available outside clinical trials.
Why has CAR-T been difficult for solid tumors like mesothelioma?▼
While CAR-T has transformed treatment for some blood cancers, solid tumors create immune-suppressive environments that have limited CAR-T effectiveness. BZDS1901’s “armored” design with a PD-1-blocking nanobody is specifically engineered to overcome this challenge.
References
Biotech Dispatch. AdAlta and SHcell launch cancer collaboration to progress breakthrough CAR-T therapy.
https://biotechdispatch.com.au/news/adalta-and-shcell-launch-cancer-collaboration-to-progress-breakthrough-car-t-therapy
SmallCaps. AdAlta inks major CAR-T deal for global development outside China.
https://smallcaps.com.au/article/adalta-inks-major-car-t-deal-for-global-development-outside-china