Roadmap for future production of sufficient product numbers of cell-based cancer drugs

Small glas bottle which is normally used to store vaccine

Roadmap for future production of sufficient product numbers of cell-based cancer drugs

{post_date}  •  {terms}

15. September 2022  •  Cell / Gene technology

Cell-based immunotherapies, such as CAR T cell therapy, are effective means of treating cancer. However, technological advances in various disciplines are needed to meet the rapidly growing demand for such novel drugs. Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology now summarize the current state of research and discuss possible solutions to overcome biological and technical hurdles in their recent article “Potential solutions for manufacture of CAR T cells in cancer immunotherapy” published in the journal Nature Communications.

In the future, an increasing demand for cell-based cancer drugs is expected. For instances, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved a first application for the use of novel cancer immunotherapies for second-line therapy, i.e. after a first relapse. The article explains this and other backgrounds, such as the steadily increasing number of clinical trials with CAR T cells, and gives an outlook on necessary developments, especially in the field of pharmaceutical manufacturing. The authors also discuss expectations and challenges of off-the-shelf approaches, in which therapeutics would not be personalized but rather produced in stock and available in larger numbers. Furthermore, different cell sources, e.g. induced pluripotent stem cells and natural killer cells, are discussed as a basis for allogeneic cell therapeutics. Finally, the article summarizes the most urgent development needs, including key technologies such as digitalization and automation. The article is intended to serve as an orientation and roadmap for researchers from a wide range of disciplines who wish to contribute to more efficient, economical and needs-based care for cancer patients.

Blache, U., Popp, G., Dünkel, A., Koehl U, Fricke S. Potential solutions for manufacture of CAR T cells in cancer immunotherapy. Nat Commun 13, 5225 (2022). doi: 10.1038/s41467-022-32866-0

 

More

University Hospital Leipzig holds worldwide first spatial computing workshop for neurosurgeons

University Hospital Leipzig partnered with Apple to hold its first workshop on spatial computing for neurosurgeons in November 2024. The course offered insights into and hands-on practice with this latest technology.

First in Europe: All approved CAR-T cell therapy products are available at the University Hospital Leipzig (UKL).

Small glas bottle which is normally used to store vaccine

cell-immune-gene-therapies

Small glas bottle which is normally used to store vaccine

Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy (CAR-T): Genetically programmed immune cell binds to and destroys cancer cell / Therapy is now available for the majority of indications

Smart Infrastructure Hub in Leipzig receives a further 1,9 million euros in funding

Human who looks onto a recording of brainwaves on his tablet computer and moves the model with his fingers

digital-health

Human who looks onto a recording of brainwaves on his tablet computer and moves the model with his fingers

The Smart Infrastructure Hub Leipzig will receive a further 1,9 million euros from the cluster funding of the Saxon Ministry of Economic Affairs.

BIO-Europe 2022 in Leipzig/Saxony breaks records

Small glas bottle which is normally used to store vaccine

cell-immune-gene-therapies

Small glas bottle which is normally used to store vaccine

A relatively small metropolis in Germany’s Free State of Saxony – a dynamic hub for the life science industry? What was just a vision 20 years ago has become a reality for the city of Leipzig, which from October 24-26 co-hosted BIO-Europe, Europe’s largest annual biotech partnering event.

Back to top