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Descartes-08

Phase 2

Antisynthetase Syndrome | Small molecule | Immunology |Cartesian Therapeutics, Inc.|Last Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Success Probability

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Trial Design

RandomizedDouble-BlindPLACEBO_CONTROLLEDDMC
Total Trials1
Total Enrollment60

FDA Designations

RARE_PEDIATRIC_DISEASERMATORPHAN_DRUG

Clinical trial landscape

Descartes-08 · 4 trials · 7 indications

Phase 2 3Phase 1 1
NCT07391605Descartes-08 in Autoantibody MyositisAntisynthetase Syndrome
RECRUITING60 Analytics
NCT06038474Descartes-08 for Patients With Systemic Lupus ErythematosusSystemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
ACTIVE NOT_RECRUITING6 Analytics
NCT04146051Descartes-08 CAR-T Cells in Generalized Myasthenia Gravis (MG)Myasthenia Gravis, Generalized
ACTIVE NOT_RECRUITING30 Analytics
PHASE2RECRUITING
Descartes-08 in Autoantibody Myositis
Antisynthetase SyndromeUnlock trial analytics
PHASE2ACTIVE NOT_RECRUITING
Descartes-08 for Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)Unlock trial analytics
PHASE2ACTIVE NOT_RECRUITING
Descartes-08 CAR-T Cells in Generalized Myasthenia Gravis (MG)
Myasthenia Gravis, GeneralizedUnlock trial analytics

Study Endpoints

Primary Endpoints

Major improvement of 2016 ACR/EULAR Total Improvement score
24 weeks

Proportion of participants in the Descartes-08 group compared with placebo who achieve major improvement marked by ≥60 point improvement on the 2016 ACR/EULAR Total Improvement Score (TIS)

Assess safety and tolerability of Descartes-08 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Day -59 to Day 50

Results will be descriptive. Safety and tolerability endpoints will include descriptive statistics of AEs and SAEs. Patients must be followed until all AEs have resolved to Grade 2 or less except for lymphopenia and alopecia.

Proportion of patients with MG Composite improvement of ≥5 points.
Day 0 to Day 85

In Part 3, the primary objective is to compare the effect of Descartes-08 versus placebo, as measured by the change in MGC score from baseline to Week 12. In Part 1, up to three ascending doses of Descartes-08 will be administered to each of 3 to 6 patients; the patients will be staggered at least 21 days apart and will complete a safety review between each dose. In Part 2, patients will receive up to 6 doses in three different schedules depending on the arm they were enrolled into and will be monitored for up to 1 year to assess the safety and tolerability of a repeated dosing schedule.

Maximum tolerated dose in Part 1, type and frequency of treatment related SAE's in Part 2
Days 22 and 50 for Part1 , Days 22, 50 and Months 3,6,9 and 12 for part 2

The primary endpoint for Part-1 is the Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD), defined as the Dose Level at which no more than 20% of the patients treated have shown Dose-Limiting Toxicity (DLT), i.e. at which 3 patients received all 6 weekly infusions without a DLT by Day 50; or 6 patients received 3 weekly infusions with no more than 1 patient having a DLT by Day 50. The primary endpoint for Part-2 is the type and frequency of treatment-related SAEs. This will be assessed on Days 22, 50 and Months 3,6,9,12

Maximum Dose Tolerated
Days 2250 for Part 1, Days 11,50, month 3 for part 2 in addition to months, 4,6,9,12

The primary endpoint for Part-1 is the Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD), defined as the Dose Level at which no more than 20% of the patients treated have shown Dose-Limiting Toxicity (DLT), i.e. at which 3 patients received all 6 weekly infusions without a DLT by Day 50; or 6 patients received 3 weekly infusions with no more than 1 patient having a DLT by Day 50. The primary endpoint for Part-2 is the type and frequency of treatment-related SAEs.

Secondary Endpoints

Quantify the clinical activity of Descartes-08 in patients with SLE using Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K)
Day -59 to Month 12
Assess the clinical activity of Descartes-08 in patients with SLE using Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Responder Index (SRI)
Day -59 to Month 12
Assess the clinical activity of Descartes-08 in patients with SLE using British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG)-based Composite Lupus Assessment (BICLA)
Day -59 to Month 12
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Study Design & Arms

AllocationRANDOMIZED
MaskingQUADRUPLE
ModelPARALLEL
PurposeTREATMENT

Treatment Arms

ArmTypeDescription
Decartes-08EXPERIMENTAL -
PlaceboPLACEBO_COMPARATOR -
Descartes-08OTHERDrug: Descartes-08 Autologous T-cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor directed to BCMA
Phase 1b Dose-EscalationEXPERIMENTALGeneralized Myasthenia Gravis
Phase IIa ExpansionEXPERIMENTALGeneralized Myasthenia Gravis
Phase IIb Randomized Control TrialPLACEBO_COMPARATORGeneralized Myasthenia Gravis
Part 1: Decartes-08 to establish Maximum tolerated doseEXPERIMENTALIntra-patient dose escalation arm with three dose levels over the course of six infusions of cell product.
Part 2: Decartes-08 infusions once weekly for 6 weeksEXPERIMENTALDescartes-08 infusions at the maximum tolerated dose level from Part 1.

Interventions

NameTypeDescription
Descartes-08DRUGAutologous T-cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) directed to B-Cell maturation antigen (BCMA)
PlaceboOTHERPlasma-Lyte
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Eligibility Criteria

Age Range18 Years to N/A
SexALL
Healthy VolunteersNo
Study Sites4

Inclusion Criteria: * Confirmed diagnosis of one of the following: Dermatomyositis (DM): Probability score ≥55% on the 2017 EULAR/ACR (European Alliance of Associations of Rheumatology/ American College of Rheumatology) criteria for classification of dermatomyositis (corresponding to diagnosis of ...

Countries:United StatesCanada
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Recent Changes (Last 90 Days)

LOWAug 17, 2026NCT07391605lastUpdatePostDate: changed
LOWAug 17, 2026NCT07391605lastUpdatePostDate: changed
LOWAug 14, 2026NCT07391605lastUpdatePostDate: changed
MEDIUMAug 14, 2026NCT04146051primaryCompletionDate: changed
LOWAug 14, 2026NCT07391605lastUpdatePostDate: changed
MEDIUMAug 14, 2026NCT04146051primaryCompletionDate: changed
LOWJul 27, 2026NCT07089121lastUpdatePostDate: changed
LOWJul 27, 2026NCT07089121lastUpdatePostDate: changed
LOWJul 27, 2026NCT07089121lastUpdatePostDate: changed

Frequently asked questions about Descartes-08

What is Descartes-11 used for?

Descartes-11, also known as Descartes-08, is an investigational monoclonal antibody being developed for multiple autoimmune and oncologic conditions. Its target indications include Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Childhood-onset Systemic Lupus Erythematous, Antisynthetase Syndrome, Generalized Myasthenia Gravis, and Multiple Myeloma. It is currently in Phase 2 clinical development.

Who makes Descartes-11?

Descartes-11 is being developed by Cartesian Therapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company traded under the ticker symbol RNAC. The company is conducting clinical trials for this investigational therapy across several autoimmune indications, including systemic lupus erythematosus and generalized myasthenia gravis.

What phase is Descartes-11 in?

Descartes-11 is currently in Phase 2 clinical development. It has received FDA designations including Rare Pediatric Disease, Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT), and Orphan Drug designation. The drug remains investigational and has not been approved by regulatory authorities.

What clinical trials is Descartes-11 in?

Descartes-11 is being studied in several clinical trials. NCT04146051 is a Phase 2 trial in generalized myasthenia gravis with 30 participants. NCT06038474 is a Phase 2 trial in systemic lupus erythematosus with 6 participants. NCT07089121 is a Phase 1 trial in children and young adults with autoimmune disorders. NCT07391605 is a Phase 2 trial in antisynthetase syndrome.

Is Descartes-11 the same as Descartes-08?

Yes, Descartes-11 is also known as Descartes-08. The drug is referred to by both names in clinical development. Cartesian Therapeutics is evaluating this therapy across multiple autoimmune conditions, including myasthenia gravis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and antisynthetase syndrome.

What is the mechanism of action of Descartes-11?

Descartes-11 is a monoclonal antibody-based therapy. As a monoclonal antibody, it is designed to target specific proteins or cells involved in disease processes. The drug is being investigated for its potential to modulate immune responses in autoimmune diseases and for its anti-cancer properties in multiple myeloma.