The advent of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies follows a decades-long quest to personalise the treatment of disease. This article highlights the early research that paved the way for the field today, touching on early pioneers in the field and the biotechnological methods used to engineer CARs. With six CAR T cell therapies approved by US and EU regulatory bodies, and many more to come over the next decade, the field is challenged by slow manufacturing times and limited accessibility. Future CAR-based treatments will include additional cell types and indications, as well as automated and continuous manufacturing protocols that will help reduce the cost of goods. Medical Writing. 2023;32(4):24–28. https://doi.org/10.56012/pxrs6694