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Updated on Mar 27, 2024 By Dominique Badea, PhD Share

In the scientific discourse around adoptive cell immunotherapy, monocytes and macrophages often take a back seat. For the last two decades, immense time and resources have been spent developing T cell-based cancer therapeutics, such as T cell receptor (TCR) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T therapy. For good reason, these therapies have proven incredibly successful in clinical trials for refractory blood cancers and lymphomas that failed other treatment attempts. Remembering …

Published on Mar 25, 2024 By Dominique Badea, PhD Share

Cancer is a major challenge for the medical community, and it requires innovative and targeted treatment strategies to combat its various forms. One of the most promising strategies is CAR T cell therapy, a type of adoptive cell therapy that has demonstrated positive results, especially in treating hematologic malignancies such as leukemia. This immunotherapy leverages the power of the donor’s immune system, specifically T lymphocytes, which are genetically modified to …

Updated on Mar 1, 2024 By Jason Ellis, PhD Share

Cancer continues to pose significant health challenges worldwide, affecting millions of patients each year. Its diverse forms and complexity often require a multifaceted treatment approach. Over the years, various therapeutic strategies have emerged, each bringing its own set of benefits and challenges. Among these strategies, adoptive cell therapy stands out as a promising approach. It involves the direct infusion of immune cells—primed and empowered to combat malignancies—back into the patient. …

Updated on Feb 20, 2024 By Jason Ellis, PhD Share

Good manufacturing practices (GMP)—are system that ensures products are consistently produced according to quality standards—is a concept most in the biotech industry are familiar with. But what exactly is clinical GMP? Clinical GMP specifically refers to the guidelines associated with products intended for human medical use. Unlike general GMP, which can pertain to various industries, clinical GMP focuses specifically on products intended for human consumption or application, ensuring that medical/medicinal …

Updated on Mar 1, 2024 By Jason Ellis, PhD Share

As modern medicine continues to advance, the battle against cancer is increasingly being fought on a cellular level—and CAR T cell therapy is at the vanguard. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T therapy is a remarkable form of immunotherapy that harnesses the body’s cellular defenses. It has revolutionized the treatment of malignancies such as lymphoma and blood cancers. Yet, the success of this therapy relies on more than just the genetically …

Updated on Mar 1, 2024 By Jason Ellis, PhD Share

The emergence of CAR T cell therapies is one of the most promising developments in cancer treatment. This revolutionary approach, which involves reprogramming a patient’s own immune cells to fight cancer, has garnered significant attention and hope in the medical community. The recent approvals of adoptive cell therapies mark a new era in oncology and our understanding of the immune system, offering fresh avenues for patients battling various forms of …

Published on Oct 30, 2023 By Jason Ellis, PhD Share

Clonal expansion is the process of rapid cell division resulting in the multiplication of genetically identical cell clones from a single parent cell. This exponential growth provides a robust concentration of specific genetic material that aids immune and developmental processes. Clonal expansion replaces damaged or worn tissues and old cells with new ones, healing wounds and aiding growth. In very early embryonic stages, cell expansion provides a rapid supply of …

Updated on Oct 5, 2023 By Dominique Badea, PhD Share

Leukopaks are an essential tool across medical and research applications, providing a robust source of white blood cells in a much higher concentration than whole blood samples. A leukopak is an enriched apheresis product collected via leukapheresis. During the leukapheresis process, white blood cells are collected and enriched by the simultaneous return of non-target blood cells to circulation. They contain a high concentration of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). As …

Updated on Oct 4, 2023 By Jason Ellis, PhD Share

Introduction to GMP in Biotech Biotechnology sales require adherence to rules and regulations that protect both the companies and patients involved. These practices are commonly referred to in the community as GMP or good manufacturing practices. In the United States, these regulations are enacted and enforced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure product quality and safety. Also referred to as cGMP or current good manufacturing practices, they …

Updated on Oct 2, 2023 Share

Protecting cells during cell processing is a critical aspect of protocol design and development. Cells are fragile by nature, requiring specific and gentle handling to survive and optimally perform in their downstream applications. Some cells are more delicate than others and more prone to damage or cell death when exposed to stressful conditions. The Importance of Gentle Handling Handling cells gently is crucial to maintaining cell viability, morphology, and experimental …