CytoSorbents Corporation (CTSO)

[pharmeng]

Was doing some reading and came across a new indication where cytosorb could be used. CAR-T therapies have been really hot (look up JUNO or KITE), but a big drawback is cytokine release that affects a high percentage of patients.

Molecular Therapy (2014); 22 3, 477–478. doi:10.1038/mt.2014.8
"Despite these advances, life in the fast lane still has its speed bumps. A major clinical concern to any CAR T-cell physician is the poorly understood cytokine release syndrome (CRS), which is believed to be secondary to a massive release of cytokine mediators from activated T cells in response to antigen encounter.8,9,10,11 Patients often require aggressive support in an intensive care unit setting."

Cancer J. 2014 Mar-Apr; 20(2): 119–122. doi: 10.1097/PPO.0000000000000035
"Another strategy to manage CRS is to target elevated cytokines directly. The most significantly elevated cytokines in the CRS associated with CART-191 and blinatumomab20 are IL-10, IL-6, and IFN-?. IL-10, primarily produced by monocytes/macrophages, regulates both innate and cell-mediated immunity by inhibiting activated macrophages.