Caribou Biosciences moved to widen access to its allogeneic CAR T programs by preparing for a pivotal Phase III trial, citing engineered genome-editing strategies and product optimization. The company said its donor selection approach—choosing donors under age 30 and matching patient and donor HLA—supports durability and reduces off-target risk. Caribou argued that an off-the-shelf platform could address persistent CAR T access gaps, including delays from referral, cell collection, and bespoke manufacturing. It said 75% to 90% of eligible patients do not receive CAR T, largely due to disease progression timing and logistical or insurance barriers. The plan signals a competitive push toward “universal” CAR T models, where manufacturability, donor inventory, and HLA strategy become key variables for scalable clinical development.