Chemical Industry News, Data & Insights

Terumo BCT and University of Chicago Achieve Automated 3-in-1 TCR-T Manufacturing

Key highlights
  • 10 million PBMCs were expanded to 9 billion cells in 10 days using Quantum Flex.
  • The study was conducted by Dr. Richard Koya and his team at the University of Chicago.
  • Dr. Koya will present the full dataset at the Advanced Therapies 2025 conference in Philadelphia.
  • The FDA's recent changes in REMS requirements for CAR-T therapies highlight the need for scalable solutions.

Overview

Researchers at the University of Chicago, in collaboration with Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, have achieved a significant advancement in T cell therapy manufacturing. They successfully automated the entire TCR-T cell therapy process using the Quantum Flex Cell Expansion System.

Process and Results

The study involved activating, transducing, and expanding 10 million peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to 9 billion cells in just 10 days, maintaining high viability. This demonstrates the Quantum Flex platform's robustness and scalability for clinical and commercial applications.

Implications

This automated process offers a comprehensive alternative to manual workflows, promising faster, more consistent manufacturing for therapies targeting solid tumors and other challenging diseases. The integration of activation, transduction, and expansion in a single closed system reduces reliance on skilled manual labor and enhances reproducibility.

Future Presentation

Dr. Richard Koya, leading the study, will present the full dataset at the Advanced Therapies 2025 conference in Philadelphia, highlighting the potential impact of this advancement on the cell therapy industry.