Stevenage, UK, Wednesday 29 May 2024: The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult), an independent innovation and technology organisation specialising in the advancement of the cell and gene therapy industry, is launching two new digital and automation testbeds. The pre-Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) modules will provide collaborators with access to cutting-edge automation, digital and robotics solutions, with the overall aim of reducing manufacturing costs and enabling more patients to be treated.
The modules will be among the first sandbox environments anywhere in the world that have been specifically designed with automation, digital and robotic technologies for the cell and gene therapy industry. They will mirror GMP standards, to ensure that the processes developed can be rapidly deployed into GMP-compliant facilities.
The first testbeds will be equipped with Cellular Origins’ new universal automation platform, Constellation™, which integrates a wide range of existing bioprocessing equipment, with minimal change to the biological process and the bioprocessing equipment. They will also offer access to Autolomous’ advanced orchestration and critical manufacturing management software, autoloMATE®, which allows for a streamlined and data-driven workflow.
The testbeds are located in the CGT Catapult's Stevenage Manufacturing Innovation Centre, and collaborators using the modules will work alongside the CGT Catapult’s digital, manufacturing, validation and regulatory experts.
“Embracing automation is a key step that the cell and gene therapy industry must take to reduce costs, increase efficiency and meet the growing demand for advanced therapies. Through working with leading robotics and software experts such as Cellular Origins and Autolomous, we aim to develop new strategies that increase levels of automation. This will help our collaborators access the benefits of these technologies, help make advanced therapies more affordable to healthcare systems, and help more patients receive life changing therapies.”
Matthew Durdy, Chief Executive at the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult
“The CGT Catapult is a world-leading specialist in the field of cell and gene therapy, and we are delighted to announce this collaboration, enabling us to access their expertise and leverage the full potential of Constellation to revolutionise cell and gene therapy manufacturing at scale. CGT Catapult’s experience in establishing GMP facilities and optimising cell therapy manufacture is directly aligned with Cellular Origins’ mission to prove the impact automated manufacturing can have in transforming cell therapy production. Through this partnership, we will work to demonstrate an automated manufacturing approach that will provide a route for patients worldwide to access these life-saving therapies.”
Dr Edwin Stone, CEO at Cellular Origins
“Autolomous and the CGT Catapult are united in their shared mission of bringing lifesaving cell and gene therapies to patients globally. We are honoured to be engaged in this forward-thinking collaborative effort to achieve significant innovation and efficiencies in manufacturing and to broaden access to these transformative therapies for patients worldwide. As we say, saved time equals saved lives.”
Alexander Seyf, CEO and co-founder of Autolomous