** Shares of biotech firm Cartesian Therapeutics RNAC.O rise 8.4% to $6.35 premarket

** Co says it signed licensing deal with China-based WestGene Biopharma to develop in vivo CAR-T for autoimmune diseases, where the immune system attacks healthy tissue

** Says therapy combines its mRNA technology with WestGene’s lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery system to target immune cells inside the body

** Says trial in rare nerve-muscle disorder myasthenia gravis to start 2H 2026; data expected 1H 2027

** Adds approach could allow repeat dosing and avoid complex cell manufacturing outside the body

** Co says partnership also expands pipeline targeting BCMA protein linked to autoimmune diseases

** As of last close, stock down ~19% YTD