The American University of Beirut participates in MILenARI: a European project to democratize access to CAR-T therapy in the Mediterranean

On Tuesday, November 18, the consortium of the European project MILenARI (Mediterranean International Lentivirus ARI) held its inaugural meeting online, with the participation of all partners and representatives of the Interreg NEXT MED program, which funds the project. The meeting was very fruitful and marked the start of an initiative with a clear mission: to make CAR-T therapy accessible to more patients in the Mediterranean basin. The project has a total funding of €2,498,888.15, 89 percent of which is covered by the European Union.

CAR-T therapy is an advanced immunotherapy that has revolutionized the treatment of certain hematological cancers. It consists of modifying the patient's T lymphocytes to recognize and destroy tumor cells. Despite its potential, access to this therapy is limited due to high costs, the complexity of the process, and centralized production, which makes its implementation difficult in many countries. MILenARI wants to reverse this situation through a strategy based on transnational collaboration and knowledge transfer.

The project, coordinated by the Clínic-IDIBAPS, and involving the American University of Beirut (Lebanon), King Hussein Cancer Center (Jordan), Bambino Gesù Children Hospital (Italy), has three main objectives:

•    Increase the production capacity of lentiviral vectors in Spain, a key piece to manufacturing CAR-T.
•    Share technology and training with Italy, Lebanon, and Jordan to decentralize production and prepare these countries for future clinical trials.
•    Establish the basis for an international clinical trial in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, contributing to reducing health inequalities.

With three three-year durations, MILenARI aims to generate a profound social impact: democratizing access to advanced therapies, reducing differences between countries, and improving the quality of life of cancer patients. In addition, the project will strengthen research and innovation capacities in the Mediterranean region, promoting cooperation between academic and healthcare centers. This collaboration will not only benefit patients but will also create a knowledge network that will allow progress in the field of cell and gene therapies.

MILenARI is funded by the European Union under the Interreg NEXT MED program, which promotes initiatives to make the Mediterranean more competitive, inclusive, and innovative. The project is a clear example of how research and international cooperation can transform the way global health challenges are addressed. Through technology transfer, training, and infrastructure creation, MILenARI aims to ensure that CAR-T therapy ceases to be a privilege and becomes a real option for all patients who need it.

The kick-off meeting served to establish the foundations of this ambitious initiative, define the first actions, and reinforce the partners' commitment. With a clear strategy and a common goal, MILenARI begins its journey to change the future of cancer treatment in the Mediterranean.