Croatia to begin production of life-saving CAR-T cancer therapy

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Croatia is preparing to launch production of the innovative CAR-T therapy, a breakthrough treatment for leukaemia and lymphoma, marking a major milestone in the country’s fight against cancer.

The project has been made possible through the dedication of Zaklada Zora, which began raising funds three years ago to establish local production of this life-saving therapy.

CAR-T is a form of immunotherapy that uses a patient’s own immune system to fight cancer.

The process involves extracting T-cells (a type of white blood cell) from the patient’s blood, genetically modifying them in a laboratory to recognise and attack cancer cells, and then reintroducing them into the body.

Thanks to the efforts of Zaklada Zora, this advanced therapy will soon be produced in Croatia at the Laboratory of KBC Sestre milosrdnice in Zagreb.

According to Mladen Merćep, head of Zaklada Zora, the Croatian-developed CAR-T therapy will bring significant improvements.

“The form of CAR-T therapy we will introduce should be considerably better, particularly in reducing relapse rates. Initially, it will be used for treating B-cell leukaemia and lymphoma in both children and adults. Another type will target multiple myeloma, and both can also be applied in severe autoimmune diseases,” Merćep told Dnevnik Nova TV.

Local production will also shorten waiting times and reduce costs.

“By bringing production to Zagreb, we will cut waiting times by seven to ten days, a crucial difference for these patients. Our goal is for this therapy to be among the best globally, not in the ‘third league’ as before, but in the first or second,” said Dr Petar Gaćina, head of the Haematology Department at KBC Sestre milosrdnice.

For many in Croatia, the news carries deep emotional significance. Thirteen years ago, young Nora Šitum had to travel to the United States to receive CAR-T treatment. Her parents’ foundation has since become a symbol of hope.

“Standing here today, 13 years later, I can see that our struggle, however painful it was for us as parents, has found its meaning. Today, this therapy is available to our patients in Croatia, free of charge, and far more advanced than the one Nora received,” said Đana Atanasovska, president of Zaklada Nora Šitum.

Preparations are already under way to acquire equipment, conduct training, and secure materials. If all goes to plan, the first patients will receive Croatian-produced CAR-T therapy next autumn.