Tempest Therapeutics Secures Option for CD7-Targeted CAR-T Platform

Tempest Therapeutics has entered an exclusive option agreement to license a CD7-targeted lentiviral platform from Hebei Senlang Biotechnology. This move shifts the company toward a multi-platform approach in the development of in vivo CAR-T therapies.

The deal allows Tempest to integrate Senlang’s lentiviral vector technology with its existing lipid nanoparticle (LNP) capabilities. The company intends to expand its immune reset pipeline for oncology and autoimmune diseases. The lead candidate from this new portfolio is a BCMA/GPRC5D dual-targeting therapy currently undergoing Phase 1 dose escalation for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.

"This agreement represents an important step in building Tempest as a multi-platform in vivo CAR-T company focused on immune reset for oncology and autoimmune indications," said Matt Angel, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Tempest, in a statement.

Clinical Safety Profile

The integration of the Senlang platform includes early-stage clinical data regarding the safety profile of the lead candidate. According to a BiopharmaWatch report, as of August 25, 2026, no instances of Grade 3 or higher cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) have been reported in the ongoing trial.

CRS and ICANS are common, potentially severe side effects associated with CAR-T cell therapies where the immune system reacts aggressively to the treatment. The absence of these high-grade toxicities in the early trial phase serves as a metric for evaluating the platform as it moves toward further development.

Financial Position and Market Context

The expansion of the company’s pipeline occurs while Tempest manages a constrained capital position. For the quarter ending June 30, 2026, the company reported a net loss of approximately $5.2 million, with cash and equivalents totaling approximately $0.8 million, according to Timothy Sykes.

In the public markets, Tempest Therapeutics (TPST) stock was trading at $0.97 as of September 18, 2026. The company’s move to secure the Senlang assets reflects an effort to diversify its technological foundation beyond its proprietary LNP delivery systems, which have been the primary focus of its therapeutic development efforts.