ISCT 2021 | Advances in CAR T-cell expansion technology

Lei Yu, MD, PhD, Shanghai Unicar-Therapy Biomed-Pharmaceutical Technology Co. Ltd, China, describes the importance of exploring new technologies for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy manufacture, in order to enhance consistency and cell expansion. He describes Quantum, a functionally closed, automated cell culture bioreactor that allows consistent and controlled culture environment, while preventing contamination to the cells. Dr Yu explains that this technology ensures consistent batches of cells, allows scale-up and can shorten cell culture time, which is important for patients in critical conditions waiting for CAR T-cell therapies. He proposes that cell expansion technologies should become more automated and implement artificial intelligence technology in the future. This interview took place during the International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy (ISCT) Annual Meeting 2021.