BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — October 1, 2026
Legend Biotech Corporation announced the launch of its inaugural Emerging Leadership & Innovation in Cell Therapy Excellence (ELITE) Program, an annual grant initiative designed to support early-career healthcare professionals advancing research, education and innovation in CAR-T cell therapy for multiple myeloma. Applications for the program are open through November 20, 2026, with recipients expected to be notified in December 2026. The initiative is intended to support emerging researchers and healthcare professionals developing new approaches that could advance the understanding, delivery and application of cellular therapies in multiple myeloma.
ELITE Program Supports Emerging CAR-T Leaders
The ELITE Program will provide grants across two categories focused on advancing multiple myeloma research and clinical practice. The Emerging Educator: Excellence in CAR-T Award will support projects with the potential to advance clinical practice, research, healthcare delivery or education in multiple myeloma. The Emerging Innovator: Innovation in CAR-T Award will support projects incorporating an innovation seed specific to multiple myeloma, including pilot, expansion or novel approaches. Legend Biotech said the program is intended to recognize early-career healthcare professionals and provide support for ideas that could contribute to the continued development of the CAR-T field. Grant recipients will be invited to a recognition event in 2027, where they will have an opportunity to present their proposals and engage with other participants and members of the steering committee.
Independent Committee Oversees Grant Selection
The ELITE Program is guided by an independent steering committee composed of recognized experts in cellular therapy and hematologic malignancies. The committee includes Melissa Alsina, M.D.; Ajai Chari, M.D.; Rafael Fonseca, M.D.; Sundar Jagannath, MBBS; Amrita Krishnan, M.D.; Yi Lin, M.D., Ph.D.; and Saad Usmani, M.D., MBA, FACP, FASCO. According to Legend Biotech, the committee provides scientific leadership and objective oversight of grant applications while operating independently of the company. The independent structure is intended to support a fair, transparent and rigorous review process for applications across both grant categories. Recipients will be selected following the application period, with notifications planned for December 2026.
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Legend Expands Support for Multiple Myeloma Cell Therapy
The ELITE Program adds an external research and education initiative to Legend Biotech’s broader focus on CAR-T cell therapy and multiple myeloma. Legend Biotech is the developer of CARVYKTI® (ciltacabtagene autoleucel), a CAR-T cell therapy for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma that it develops and markets with Johnson & Johnson. The company said its broader strategy includes expanding the potential and access of CARVYKTI while continuing to develop additional cell therapy approaches. By establishing an annual grant program for early-career healthcare professionals, Legend is creating a mechanism to support research, education and innovation beyond its own internal development programs. The inaugural ELITE Program therefore provides a structured platform for emerging investigators to pursue projects addressing multiple myeloma and the evolving application of CAR-T cell therapy.
Source:Legend Biotech,, press release
