The initiative, led by Zaklada Zora, marks a milestone in the country’s medical advancement and is set to make Croatia one of the few European states producing this therapy locally.
The CAR-T process involves extracting and genetically modifying a patient’s T-cells to recognise and destroy cancer cells before returning them to the body. Production will take place at the Laboratory of KBC Sestre milosrdnice in Zagreb, cutting waiting times and reducing costs.
“Our goal is for this therapy to be among the best globally,” said Dr Petar Gaćina, head of the hospital’s Haematology Department.
The project also carries emotional weight. Thirteen years after young Nora Šitum travelled to the US for treatment, her parents’ foundation continues to inspire progress. “Our struggle has found its meaning,” said Đana Atanasovska of Zaklada Nora Šitum. The first patients in Croatia are expected to receive the locally produced CAR-T therapy by next autumn.
