The CINNAMON CAR-T Conference, titled “Advancing CAR-T Research and Implementation in ITC Countries: Challenges, Opportunities, and Networking”, took place at Kauno Klinikos, Kaunas, Lithuania, on 19 May 2026. The meeting brought together 34 participants from 14 countries countries, including clinicians, researchers, regulatory experts, and early-career scientists, to exchange knowledge and strengthen collaboration in the field of CAR-T cell therapy.
The event opened with welcome remarks from the Action’s Chair, Julio Delgado (IDIBAPS – Hospital Clínic de Barcelona), who highlighted the importance of fostering collaboration among ITC countries and advancing equitable access to CAR-T therapies through academic and decentralized manufacturing models.
The scientific programme was structured into four thematic sessions covering CAR-T implementation in the Baltic region, regulatory and clinical insights, young researchers pitchings, and future technological perspectives. Session 1 focused on national experiences in Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, and Latvia, addressing key challenges such as infrastructure development, workforce training, regulatory pathways, and sustainable funding, while emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation.
Session 2 highlighted academic CAR-T developments, biomarker-driven approaches to improve patient outcomes, and lessons learned from navigating the EU regulatory framework for GMP-compliant manufacturing. A dynamic Q&A discussion further explored regulatory harmonisation, sustainability of academic production models, and opportunities for cross-border collaboration.
The Young Researchers Pitching Session showcased five innovative projects from early-career scientists across Europe and beyond, covering topics such as next-generation CAR-T design, biomarker development, pharmacokinetic standardisation, and the establishment of point-of-care CAR-T platforms in widening regions.
The final session focused on technological innovation and future perspectives, featuring speakers from SMEs and CDMOs, including Icosagen, Nortway Biotech, and Scinus Cell Expansion, highlighting industrial perspectives on advancing CAR-T manufacturing capabilities.
The meeting concluded with discussions reinforcing the importance of international collaboration between academia, hospitals, industry, and regulatory bodies to accelerate the development and equitable implementation of CAR-T therapies.
From the perspective of the CINNAMON network, the conference highlighted the growing momentum of CAR-T implementation in ITC and the strong engagement of the European and international community. Importantly, it demonstrated how academic innovation, regulatory alignment, and technological development are converging to enable more accessible and scalable CAR-T therapies, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes across Europe and beyond.
