Quell Therapeutics Advances Arthritis Therapy Trial
The CHILL clinical study has progressed to its second dose cohort following a successful initial phase.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Arthritis
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Quell Therapeutics has moved its QEL-005 therapy into the second dose cohort of the CHILL clinical trial for rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis. The first cohort showed no serious adverse events or dose-limiting toxicities during the initial phase.
Why it matters
QEL-005 utilizes nTregs to regulate complex autoimmunity by suppressing multiple pathogenic cell types simultaneously. The trial tests whether this lymphodepletion-free treatment can successfully manage immune networks in patients.
The CHILL study is currently enrolling participants at seven sites across the UK and four additional locations in Germany and Spain. Initial clinical and six-month durability data are not expected until H1 2027.
The players
Quell Therapeutics
This biotechnology company focuses on the development of engineered T-regulatory cell therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
This major NHS trust provides specialist medical services and served as the site for the first patient dosing in the CHILL study.
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
This foundation trust operates several hospitals and research facilities in the UK and hosted the dosing of two additional study participants.
The details
The treatment regimen uses nTregs to perform bystander suppression on B cells, T cells, macrophages, and stroma. Participants in the first cohort were discharged the morning following their infusion as the study assesses the efficacy of this lymphodepletion-free approach.
Timeline
October 2025: Preclinical results were presented at ACR Convergence 2025.
October 21, 2026: Quell announced the advancement to the second dose cohort.
H1 2027: Initial clinical and six-month durability data are expected.
The Big Picture
The progress of the CHILL Phase 1/2 clinical study represents a shift in how researchers approach lymphodepletion-free treatments for complex autoimmune conditions. This development marks a transition in the trial as investigators continue to evaluate the therapeutic potential of nTreg cells.
The current trial status indicates that the therapy is progressing through safety benchmarks without requiring the use of lymphodepletion. Patients interested in future treatment options should monitor upcoming clinical data releases for updates on medical efficacy.
The takeaway
The successful transition to the second cohort suggests that the initial phase met safety goals without serious adverse events. Researchers are now looking toward 2027 to establish whether this regulatory T-cell approach provides lasting therapeutic benefits.
Further reading
For more information on current treatment research, visit the Arthritis section.
More information
Find complete details and registration information on the CHILL study information portal.
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