Treating human disease at the genetic level, by replacing defective genes or adding new genes to enhance native functions, has been a long-standing goal, with the first attempts at gene editing dating back to the 1980s1. However, it wasn’t until 2012 that momentum in the field surged, thanks to the discovery of the CRISPR/Cas9 genome […]
The success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has spurred interest in applying CAR technology to other immune cells in hopes of addressing some known limitations. With their intrinsic immune activity and favorable safety profile, natural killer (NK) cells have enormous potential for adoptive cellular therapy1. Unlike T cells, which require antigen sensitization and […]
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has transformed the treatment landscape for hematological malignancies such as relapsed/refractory acute B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and multiple myeloma. Since 2017, six commercial CAR-T products have received FDA approval, with many more candidates advancing through the clinical pipeline1. Despite its promise, the current manufacturing […]
The promise for cell and gene therapies (CGTs) to revolutionize cancer therapy is immense, yet unlocking their full potential to treat more diseases and improve patient access will depend on the selection of donors who can provide high-quality cells and tissues. By addressing the challenges of program-specific donor selection and ensuring that the apheresis material […]
The field of cell and gene therapy (CGT) is undergoing a significant transformation, with a notable shift towards allogeneic platforms. Placing a spotlight on what has been deemed the ‘future of cell therapy’, the 5th Allogeneic Cell Therapies Summit brought together leading minds to share knowledge with the goal of accelerating the development of safe, […]
The possibility of allogeneic “off-the-shelf” engineered T cell therapies as an alternative to overcome the limitations of autologous therapies has long been a goal for the industry, with some of the earliest studies dating back to the mid-2000s. Major limitations to autologous CAR-T cell therapy include complex logistics, high cost, concerns over toxicity, long manufacturing […]
The Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) are surface proteins on our cells and tissues serving as a mechanism for the body to distinguish between self and non-self, so our immune system can activate an appropriate immune response against invading pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. HLA is the human form of major histocompatibility complex (MHC), […]
The simplicity and speed of immunomagnetic cell separation has made it the go-to method for isolating target cell populations since it was pioneered in 1990 by Miltenyi Biotec. The ability to isolate specific cell types from heterogeneous tissue or blood-derived sources such as whole peripheral blood, bone marrow, or cord blood is critical to advancing […]
Women’s History Month is celebrated every year in March to recognize and honor the contributions and achievements of women throughout history. The 2023 National Women’s History theme is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories” in recognition of the accomplished and influential women who told – and continue to tell – impactful stories. The theme honors […]
Is The Industry Prepared for Another Year of Rapid Growth? The cell and gene therapy (CGT) industry is expected to grow rapidly for the next 10 years with an increasing proportion of these treatments focused on allogeneic approaches according to industry analysts (Figure 1)1. Several factors are contributing to CGT’s rapid growth, including advances in […]
