ISCT 2017: Novel techniques for cell growth and measurement unveiled

The technology, from Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, will advance the UK’s cell therapy capabilities.

New technologies developed in collaboration with the Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) Catapult (UK) presented at the 2017 International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) annual meeting (London, UK) will further accelerate the UK industry’s ability to develop commercially viable cell and gene immunotherapies.

The novel techniques include a potency assay designed to accurately measure the action of gene-modified T-cells in attacking and killing cancer cells.

Further presentations from the CGT Catapult at the ISCT meeting include a new strategy to generate pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) at a sufficient scale to support industrial supply. The approach, which involves the use of stirred tank reactors (STR) to allow closed processing, was shown to significantly increase cell expansion whilst maintaining the critical quality attributes of the cells.

This work is supporting a future cost-effective strategy for PSC manufacture which will enable bigger, more extensive clinical trials and allow these promising treatments to benefit large patient populations.

In a separate study presented at ISCT, STRs were shown to be useful in generating high cell yields and a relevant cell manufacturing option in both allogeneic and autologous settings.

“ISCT’s presence in London this year shows our industry evolving and adapting to meet the needs of companies developing next-generation therapies, as we prepare to fully open the CGT Catapult cell manufacturing collaboration centre which is already enabling firms to plan to serve the global market from the UK,” commented Keith Thompson, Chief Executive Officer, CGT Catapult.

“Our mission is to underpin the rapid growth of the UK cell and gene therapy industry by addressing the fundamental building blocks of industrialization and manufacturing through high quality research and development.

“Our novel approaches not only demonstrate our commitment to help businesses with bold visions to make cell and gene therapies the future of medicine, but will further establish the UK as a standard-setter for excellence in research, development, and product manufacturing and commercialization.”