Podcasts about Cell therapy

We love to hear from our listeners. Send us a message.Episode 115 of Cell & Gene: The Podcast features Host Erin Harris' talk with Aliya Omer, Vice President and Global Head of Hematology and Cell Therapy at AstraZeneca. Omer shares valuable insights from her rich experience leading cell therapy development across multiple top companies. She highlights the critical importance of collaboration by breaking down silos across research, manufacturing, regulatory, and commercial teams to deliver innovative therapies efficiently. She also discusses AZ's diverse and ambitious cell therapy portfolio, encompassing autologous CAR-T, TCR-T, in vivo gene therapies, and regulatory T-cell therapies. She candidly addresses current challenges in manufacturing scalability, patient access, and healthcare system readiness and describes how AZ is prioritizing fast manufacturing platforms and ecosystem-wide partnerships to surmount these hurdles. Subscribe to the podcast!Apple | Spotify | YouTube Visit my website: Cell & Gene Connect with me on LinkedIn

Novartis started the week early with a Sunday afternoon announcement of the acquisition of neuromuscular drug developer Avidity Biosciences for $12B. That's the second biggest buy of the year after Johnson & Johnson's January acquisition of Intra-Cellular. The Avidity buy could read through positively to Dyne Therapeutics, as both are aiming to treat neuromuscular ailments with RNA-targeting therapies. Dyne shares have nearly doubled over the past month, jumping approximately 40% after Novartis' news dropped.  The Avidity deal is the latest in an uptick on the pharma M&A front. Also this week, Eli Lilly doubled down on gene therapy with a pick up of Adverum Biotechnologies and its lead program for wet age-related macular degeneration. And Roche, which last month acquired 89bio in a $3.5 billion deal centered on a MASH candidate, said in its third-quarter earnings call on Thursday that more deals could be in the future. Finally, beyond the big guys, Leerink Partners predicts which small- to mid-cap firms might also be on the hunt for new pipeline goodies.  Following the dealmaking news, Novartis held its earning call on Tuesday. CEO Vas Narasimhan downplayed the deals Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Amgen have made with the White House, saying they don't address the root of the drug pricing problem President Donald Trump hopes to solve.   On other earnings calls, BioMarin announced plans to divest the hemophilia gene therapy Roctavian. Regeneron faced further questions about Eylea and issues with the Catalent plant that's been tripping up its regulatory applications. But the company didn't address last week's news that it was dropping a CAR T asset picked up from 2seventy bio. These are but two of the latest examples of underperforming assets in the cell and gene therapy space.  BridgeBio had positive news for patients with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy this week after acing a Phase III trial for an investigational substrate supplementation therapy. Analysts predict the asset could be before the FDA later this year or early next.   Finally, with the U.S. government shutdown going on a month, BioSpace takes a look at how the FDA is operating. 

Most founders dream of raising millions. Few survive the 153 “no's” it takes to get there.Behind every biotech breakthrough lies exhaustion — late-night calls, failed rounds, and investors who walk away at the finish line.What separates the ones who make it isn't luck or timing — it's resilience built into process.In this episode, Jason Foster, CEO of Ori Biotech, shares how he transformed relentless rejection into a billion-dollar trajectory. From rebuilding cell-therapy manufacturing to leading global teams through economic storms, Jason reveals how founders can systematize grit, master storytelling, and survive when everything seems to fall apart.You'll learn how to navigate fundraising winters, why leadership begins with self-care, and how to build companies that endure long after the hype fades. If you've ever doubted your path as a builder, this conversation will remind you that resilience is not a trait — it's a practice.

We love to hear from our listeners. Send us a message.On episode 114 of Cell & Gene: The Podcast, Host Erin Harris talks to Brian Culley, CEO of Lineage Cell Therapeutics, about advancing cell therapy beyond oncology and into transformative treatments for conditions such as spinal cord injury and blindness. Culley shares how Lineage's allogeneic, off-the-shelf approach, anchored by its OPC1 program, aims to replace lost or damaged cells to restore function, starting with patients who have plateaued after chronic spinal cord injury. He details the DOSED study's innovative delivery device and thaw-and-inject formulation, both designed to simplify administration, enhance safety, and improve patient access. Harris and Culley also explore Lineage's broader vision for commercial viability in cell transplantation and its collaborative work with the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation to drive awareness, research, and investment in spinal cord injury therapies.Subscribe to the podcast!Apple | Spotify | YouTube Visit my website: Cell & Gene Connect with me on LinkedIn

Viral pneumonia can cause severe lung damage and make recovery long and life-threatening for patients. Current treatments only provide support, not repair, but Northwestern Medicine scientist Benjamin Singer, MD, wants to change that. In this episode, he details a recent discovery from his team that found laboratory-modified T-cells or induced regulatory T-cells (iTregs), can promote lung tissue repair in mice with severe influenza pneumonia. Singer discusses this breakthrough and how it could lead to an effective cellular therapy for patients with severe viral pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome in the future. 

It's been a tough year for cell and gene therapy — patient deaths, high-profile companies pulling out of the space, and sour investment sentiment. But the field has had some promising readouts in the clinic recently, and it continues to mature, showing steady progress despite challenging market conditions. On the latest BioCentury This Week podcast, Evotec's Bernd Mühlenweg joins BioCentury's analysts to give his view of the field and offer takeaways from this month's Cell & Gene Meeting on the Mesa in Phoenix. This episode of BioCentury This Week is sponsored by Evotec. View full story: https://www.biocentury.com/article/657278To submit a question to BioCentury's editors, email the BioCentury This Week team at podcasts@biocentury.com.Reach us by sending a text

Johnson & Johnson kicked off Q3 earnings season on Tuesday with the announcement that it is splitting its orthopedics and medtech operations and that it has yet to reach a drug pricing deal with the White House, though CEO Joaquin Duato did say those discussions are ongoing.  In advance of its Nov. 5 earnings call, Novo Nordisk, under the direction of new CEO Maziar Mike Doustdar, has been busy making moves, doubling down on MASH last week with its $5.2 billion buy of Akero. Then this week, Novo became the latest company to cut cell therapy, following Takeda's recent exit from the space. Meanwhile, as the government shutdown continues, so too does the chaos at the CDC, where more than 1,000 employees received termination notices last Friday—only for hundreds to be told never mind. At the FDA, however, there is some consistency despite the overhaul, with the agency on track for an average number of approvals this year. And a recent report on breakthrough designations shows that the regulatory award often leads to an FDA greenlight. On the legislative front, the BIOSECURE Act is back, as a slimmed down version passed the Senate last week as part of the defense spending bill. The latest version of BIOSECURE, which is meant to distance American biopharma from Chinese collaborators, doesn't name specific companies as previous iterations did and must still gain the Senate's support. 

Dr. Peter Altman, President and CEO of BioCardia, is focused on treating ischemic heart failure and chronic myocardial ischemia using autologous cells from the patient's bone marrow.  The company has developed a cost-effective model that utilizes a pre-procedure diagnostic to select the optimal patients for this point-of-care system, which processes their cells in a single procedure. A key technology is the Helix catheter system, which enables minimally invasive delivery of cells into the heart, aided by the Heart3D Fusion imaging platform that provides a 3D map for precise cell delivery. Peter explains, "BioCardia's focus is on ischemic etiology of heart disease. This is heart disease that results from poor perfusion, typically following, for example, a heart attack, which is an ischemic disease. And the two diseases we're working on are ischemic heart failure, which is often characterized by a large dilated heart. And in the second is chronic myocardial ischemia, which is characterized by what's called refractory angina or chest pain that actually can be incredibly severe. And so are our focus areas. And we're advancing cell therapies that have been shown to inherently improve the cells we're looking at, which are cells from the bone marrow space, the mononuclear cells that contain the CD34 and CD133 cell populations. They're actually involved in forming new microvasculature and supply." "What we've done is come at it from a different perspective. Instead of selecting the cells and then manufacturing in a remote facility, we have a pre-procedure diagnostic that enables us to select the patients who have appropriate cells and then process them with a point-of-care cell processing platform, which involves just a simple disposable cartridge. And then we can treat these patients in a standard interventional cardiology setting at relatively low cost compared to all cell therapies."      #BioCardia #HeartDisease #AutologousCellTherapy #CellTherapy #3DImaging #Heart3DFusion #CardiAMP biocardia.com Download the transcript here

Dr. Peter Altman, President and CEO of BioCardia, is focused on treating ischemic heart failure and chronic myocardial ischemia using autologous cells from the patient's bone marrow.  The company has developed a cost-effective model that utilizes a pre-procedure diagnostic to select the optimal patients for this point-of-care system, which processes their cells in a single procedure. A key technology is the Helix catheter system, which enables minimally invasive delivery of cells into the heart, aided by the Heart3D Fusion imaging platform that provides a 3D map for precise cell delivery. Peter explains, "BioCardia's focus is on ischemic etiology of heart disease. This is heart disease that results from poor perfusion, typically following, for example, a heart attack, which is an ischemic disease. And the two diseases we're working on are ischemic heart failure, which is often characterized by a large dilated heart. And in the second is chronic myocardial ischemia, which is characterized by what's called refractory angina or chest pain that actually can be incredibly severe. And so are our focus areas. And we're advancing cell therapies that have been shown to inherently improve the cells we're looking at, which are cells from the bone marrow space, the mononuclear cells that contain the CD34 and CD133 cell populations. They're actually involved in forming new microvasculature and supply." "What we've done is come at it from a different perspective. Instead of selecting the cells and then manufacturing in a remote facility, we have a pre-procedure diagnostic that enables us to select the patients who have appropriate cells and then process them with a point-of-care cell processing platform, which involves just a simple disposable cartridge. And then we can treat these patients in a standard interventional cardiology setting at relatively low cost compared to all cell therapies."      #BioCardia #HeartDisease #AutologousCellTherapy #CellTherapy #3DImaging #Heart3DFusion #CardiAMP biocardia.com Listen to the podcast here

In this episode of the Xtalks Life Science Podcast, we dive into the cutting edge of cell therapy innovation with Ian Nisbet, PhD, chief operating officer (COO) and co-founder of Cartherics, an Australian biotech company developing next-generation cell therapies for difficult-to-treat diseases like cancer and endometriosis. Dr. Nisbet also acts as a director or advisor to several Australian and US biotechnology companies. With more than 35 years of leadership in biotech and experience in bringing two FDA-approved oncology drugs to market, Dr. Nisbet offers valuable insights into how the next generation of cell therapies could transform patient care. Tune in to learn about Cartherics' proprietary platform for generating an effectively unlimited supply of CAR-NK cells, the challenges and opportunities in developing treatments for underserved diseases and what's next for the cell therapy industry worldwide. For more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage. https://xtalks.com/vitals/ Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: https://twitter.com/Xtalks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xtalks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Can regenerative medicine move beyond managing symptoms to actually restore natural hearing?Brian Taylor speaks with Simon Chandler, CEO of Rinri Therapeutics, about the company's pioneering cell therapy for hearing loss. They discuss Rincell-1, Rinri's first-in-human clinical trial, and how regenerative medicine could complement or even surpass today's treatments like hearing aids and cochlear implants.The conversation also explores Rinri's innovative surgical delivery approach, trial design, and future pipeline, including next-generation therapies aimed at restoring hair cells. Chandler shares his vision for how regenerative medicine could reshape hearing care and open the door to restoring hearing for millions worldwide.Learn more about Rinri and Rincell-1 at: https://www.rinri-therapeutics.comBe sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn, Instagram and X.- https://x.com/WeekinHearing- https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinhearing/- https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-week-in-hearingVisit us at: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

Cell therapy holds immense potential to transform the way we treat conditions in oncology, ophthalmology, autoimmune disorders, and a wide range of other therapeutic areas. But how do these engineered cells work, and how do scientists ensure they are safe and function as intended? In this episode, co-host Danielle Mandikian sits down with Todd McDevitt, Head of Cell Therapy, to discuss how cell therapies operate within the body, the challenges researchers face in this field, and the advancements needed to unlock their full potential for patients. Read the full text transcript at www.gene.com/stories/cells-at-work

“Once a scientist, forever a scientist,” says Legend Biotech CEO Ying Huang as he joins Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Sam Fazeli to share his unconventional journey from the lab bench to Wall Street and back to biotech leadership. Dr. Huang explains how a dream led him from equity research to developing one of the most important CAR-T therapies for multiple myeloma. They explore the science behind BCMA targeting, lessons from the pivotal Johnson & Johnson partnership as well as the company’s ambitions in allogeneic and in-vivo therapies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Idea Collider, host Mike Rea interviews Dr. Christian Rommel from Bayer. Dr. Rommel discusses his journey in molecular oncology from the Max Planck Institute, through roles at Roche, to overseeing global R&D at Bayer. He shares insights on turning scientific discovery into novel medicines, collaboration between scientists and commercial teams, and the importance of maintaining scientific integrity. Dr. Rommel also delves into the impact of AI in drug development, the potential of genetic medicines, and the complexities of launching new medicines on a global scale. The conversation also touches on embracing failure, internal and external partnerships, and the evolving landscape of clinical translation. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:25 Christian Rommel's Journey in Oncology03:02 The Importance of Collaboration in Innovation05:16 Balancing Risk and Reward in Drug Development18:07 The Role of AI and Data in Modern R&D22:33 Partnerships and External Learning26:16 Balancing Legacy and Innovation in Biotech27:18 Global Expansion and Leadership Diversity27:27 Courage in Biotech Management27:54 Inspiration from Roche Genentech30:26 Commitment to Product Supply and Market Readiness32:23 Challenges of Global Launches35:53 Emerging Trends in Pharma: AI and Genetic Medicines42:20 Decision-Making in Pharma47:30 Reflections on Academic and Professional Journey Don't forget to Like, Share, Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Keep up with Christian Rommel;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-rommel/Website: https://www.bayer.com/en/innovation/science-research-and-innovation Follow Mike Rea On;Website: https://www.ideapharma.com/X: https://x.com/ideapharmaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bigidea/ Listen to more fantastic podcast episodes: https://podcast.ideapharma.com/

Hear about cutting-edge advances in regenerative medicine, from lab breakthroughs to patient impact. Catriona Jamieson, MD, PhD, introduces efforts at the Sanford Stem Cell Institute to develop therapies that enhance the body's ability to heal itself. Dan Kaufman, MD, PhD, shares progress in cancer immunotherapy using engineered natural killer cells derived from pluripotent stem cells. Karen Christman, PhD, explains how her team creates injectable hydrogels from pig heart tissue to support heart repair and regeneration after a heart attack. Tiffani Manolis highlights industry support for making cell and gene therapies more accessible. Patient advocate Justin Graves describes his life-changing experience receiving a stem cell-based therapy for epilepsy, underscoring the real-world promise of these innovations. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40705]

Hear about cutting-edge advances in regenerative medicine, from lab breakthroughs to patient impact. Catriona Jamieson, MD, PhD, introduces efforts at the Sanford Stem Cell Institute to develop therapies that enhance the body's ability to heal itself. Dan Kaufman, MD, PhD, shares progress in cancer immunotherapy using engineered natural killer cells derived from pluripotent stem cells. Karen Christman, PhD, explains how her team creates injectable hydrogels from pig heart tissue to support heart repair and regeneration after a heart attack. Tiffani Manolis highlights industry support for making cell and gene therapies more accessible. Patient advocate Justin Graves describes his life-changing experience receiving a stem cell-based therapy for epilepsy, underscoring the real-world promise of these innovations. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40705]

Hear about cutting-edge advances in regenerative medicine, from lab breakthroughs to patient impact. Catriona Jamieson, MD, PhD, introduces efforts at the Sanford Stem Cell Institute to develop therapies that enhance the body's ability to heal itself. Dan Kaufman, MD, PhD, shares progress in cancer immunotherapy using engineered natural killer cells derived from pluripotent stem cells. Karen Christman, PhD, explains how her team creates injectable hydrogels from pig heart tissue to support heart repair and regeneration after a heart attack. Tiffani Manolis highlights industry support for making cell and gene therapies more accessible. Patient advocate Justin Graves describes his life-changing experience receiving a stem cell-based therapy for epilepsy, underscoring the real-world promise of these innovations. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40705]

Hear about cutting-edge advances in regenerative medicine, from lab breakthroughs to patient impact. Catriona Jamieson, MD, PhD, introduces efforts at the Sanford Stem Cell Institute to develop therapies that enhance the body's ability to heal itself. Dan Kaufman, MD, PhD, shares progress in cancer immunotherapy using engineered natural killer cells derived from pluripotent stem cells. Karen Christman, PhD, explains how her team creates injectable hydrogels from pig heart tissue to support heart repair and regeneration after a heart attack. Tiffani Manolis highlights industry support for making cell and gene therapies more accessible. Patient advocate Justin Graves describes his life-changing experience receiving a stem cell-based therapy for epilepsy, underscoring the real-world promise of these innovations. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40705]

Hear about cutting-edge advances in regenerative medicine, from lab breakthroughs to patient impact. Catriona Jamieson, MD, PhD, introduces efforts at the Sanford Stem Cell Institute to develop therapies that enhance the body's ability to heal itself. Dan Kaufman, MD, PhD, shares progress in cancer immunotherapy using engineered natural killer cells derived from pluripotent stem cells. Karen Christman, PhD, explains how her team creates injectable hydrogels from pig heart tissue to support heart repair and regeneration after a heart attack. Tiffani Manolis highlights industry support for making cell and gene therapies more accessible. Patient advocate Justin Graves describes his life-changing experience receiving a stem cell-based therapy for epilepsy, underscoring the real-world promise of these innovations. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40705]

Hear about cutting-edge advances in regenerative medicine, from lab breakthroughs to patient impact. Catriona Jamieson, MD, PhD, introduces efforts at the Sanford Stem Cell Institute to develop therapies that enhance the body's ability to heal itself. Dan Kaufman, MD, PhD, shares progress in cancer immunotherapy using engineered natural killer cells derived from pluripotent stem cells. Karen Christman, PhD, explains how her team creates injectable hydrogels from pig heart tissue to support heart repair and regeneration after a heart attack. Tiffani Manolis highlights industry support for making cell and gene therapies more accessible. Patient advocate Justin Graves describes his life-changing experience receiving a stem cell-based therapy for epilepsy, underscoring the real-world promise of these innovations. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40705]

Hear about cutting-edge advances in regenerative medicine, from lab breakthroughs to patient impact. Catriona Jamieson, MD, PhD, introduces efforts at the Sanford Stem Cell Institute to develop therapies that enhance the body's ability to heal itself. Dan Kaufman, MD, PhD, shares progress in cancer immunotherapy using engineered natural killer cells derived from pluripotent stem cells. Karen Christman, PhD, explains how her team creates injectable hydrogels from pig heart tissue to support heart repair and regeneration after a heart attack. Tiffani Manolis highlights industry support for making cell and gene therapies more accessible. Patient advocate Justin Graves describes his life-changing experience receiving a stem cell-based therapy for epilepsy, underscoring the real-world promise of these innovations. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40705]

Hear about cutting-edge advances in regenerative medicine, from lab breakthroughs to patient impact. Catriona Jamieson, MD, PhD, introduces efforts at the Sanford Stem Cell Institute to develop therapies that enhance the body's ability to heal itself. Dan Kaufman, MD, PhD, shares progress in cancer immunotherapy using engineered natural killer cells derived from pluripotent stem cells. Karen Christman, PhD, explains how her team creates injectable hydrogels from pig heart tissue to support heart repair and regeneration after a heart attack. Tiffani Manolis highlights industry support for making cell and gene therapies more accessible. Patient advocate Justin Graves describes his life-changing experience receiving a stem cell-based therapy for epilepsy, underscoring the real-world promise of these innovations. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40705]

Hear about cutting-edge advances in regenerative medicine, from lab breakthroughs to patient impact. Catriona Jamieson, MD, PhD, introduces efforts at the Sanford Stem Cell Institute to develop therapies that enhance the body's ability to heal itself. Dan Kaufman, MD, PhD, shares progress in cancer immunotherapy using engineered natural killer cells derived from pluripotent stem cells. Karen Christman, PhD, explains how her team creates injectable hydrogels from pig heart tissue to support heart repair and regeneration after a heart attack. Tiffani Manolis highlights industry support for making cell and gene therapies more accessible. Patient advocate Justin Graves describes his life-changing experience receiving a stem cell-based therapy for epilepsy, underscoring the real-world promise of these innovations. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40705]

Synopsis: From stargazing in rural Tennessee to reimagining the future of immune health, Kevin Caldwell's journey is anything but conventional. In this episode of Biotech2050, Rahul Chaturvedi speaks with the CEO, Co-Founder & President of Ossium Health about how personal experiences with a reactive healthcare system—and a deep curiosity about the universe—sparked a mission to extend human healthspan through regenerative medicine. Kevin shares how Ossium built the first scalable bone marrow bank sourced from deceased organ donors—unlocking a powerful, overlooked source for life-saving cell therapies. He discusses Ossium's fully integrated model, commercialization strategy, and why rigorous company-building must go hand-in-hand with scientific ambition. The conversation unpacks hard-won lessons from raising $130M+, navigating regulatory pathways, and leading with long-term conviction. A bold vision for transforming cell therapy—and a candid look at the mindset needed to build for impact. Biography: As CEO, Co-Founder & President of Ossium Health, Kevin Caldwell has built Ossium from a small startup into a clinical stage bioengineering company. Mr. Caldwell set the company's mission to improve human health through bioengineering and designed its platform-based model for cellular therapeutics development. Mr. Caldwell has led the company's successful pursuit, negotiation, and execution of more than 50 business relationships, including 5 successful fundraisings and dozens of supply partnerships, clinical partnerships, and commercial contracts with biopharmaceutical companies. After seven years of strategic engagement and networking, Mr. Caldwell drove the team to successfully secure a transformative federal contract with BARDA (Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority) that validates Ossium's innovative approach. This milestone represents the culmination of persistent relationship-building, targeted proposals, and our unwavering commitment to addressing national biomedical challenges through cutting-edge technology and collaborative partnerships. Prior to founding Ossium, Mr. Caldwell served as an Engagement Manager at McKinsey's San Francisco office where he advised clients in the biotechnology and healthcare sectors. His projects ranged from due diligence of acquisition targets in the biotech startup ecosystem to restructuring distressed biopharma companies. Mr. Caldwell led more than 20 engagements with more than a dozen clients, leading teams that advised clients on revenue growth, go to market strategy, and organizational restructuring. Before McKinsey, Mr. Caldwell served as a Senior Investment Associate at Bridgewater Associates where he did quantitative research for the firm's global macro investments. Mr. Caldwell studied Physics and Economics at MIT before receiving his JD from Harvard Law School. In addition, he is a member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO), and a Fellow of the Leaders in Tech Program.

Ming-Wei Chen and Fangheng Zhou, the scientists behind RephImmune, join hosts Lynnsey and Matthew to discuss how their biotech startup is developing a next-generation cell therapy platform designed to overcome the limitations of CAR-T.  With a focus on ovarian cancer, RephImmune's RACE-T technology targets solid tumors by re-engineering immune cells to better locate, penetrate, and survive in the harsh tumor environment. Ming-Wei and Fangheng share their personal motivations, the science behind their approach, and how programs like SCbio DRIVE are helping them move closer to clinical trials. Tune in now!

Clinical researchers are set to launch immune-cell therapy clinical trials aimed at tackling treatment resistance in solid tumour, supported by a €11.9 million grant from the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund. The project is being spearheaded by a consortium from LIfT BiSciences, University of Galway, Galway University Hospitals and Hooke Bio. The funding award, announced by Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke T.D., and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless T.D., is the largest single grant awarded by the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund to date, with €5.9 million in direct funding going to University of Galway. The consortium will launch the first-in-human clinical trials of a ground-breaking neutrophil-based cancer immune-cell therapy developed by LIfT BioSciences, a client of Údarás na Gaeltachta with an Irish base in An Spidéal, Co. Galway. Neutrophils are part of the first line of defence in the body's immune response. The trial will focus on patients with metastatic cervical and head and neck cancer who have exhausted all standard treatments, including checkpoint inhibitors. Trials, which will be conducted at Galway University Hospitals, are expected to begin in 2026. The grant will support the clinical development of LIfT BioSciences' next-generation cell therapy designed to overcome resistance in solid tumours, known as Immuno-Modulatory Alpha Neutrophils (IMANs). University of Galway will contribute its deep expertise in oncology and cell therapy clinical trials, as well as in translating laboratory research into clinical applications, including predictive biomarkers. Hooke Bio will provide advanced analytical tools to optimise and assess how patients respond to this novel therapy. The study will first establish the safe and effective dose of immune-cell cancer therapy and then combine this treatment with other immune-based therapies to overcome resistance to these cancer treatments observed in some patients. Professor Sean Hynes, Consultant Histopathologist and Translational Cancer Researcher from University of Galway's School of Medicine and Lead Academic of the award said: "In partnership with LiFT BioSciences and Hooke Bio, we are very excited about University of Galway and Galway University Hospital being at the forefront of delivering on new oncological cellular therapies by using neutrophils, the body's own first responders, in the fight against cancer and ensuring patients in the West of Ireland have access to such cutting edge treatments." Professor Fidelma Dunne, Director of the Institute for Clinical Trials at University of Galway, said: "The Institute for Clinical Trials is proud to support this collaboration and look forward to working closely with Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund partners LifT BioSciences and Hooke Bio, and with academic and clinical colleagues at the University and Galway University Hospital. The programme will bring a new therapy to patients with an unmet critical need. This will be a truly inspirational journey from basic science to a first in human trial as we deliver this novel cell therapy to cancer patients." Dr Michael McCarthy, Consultant Medical Oncologist and Principal Investigator at University Hospital Galway, added: "Cancer remains one of the most complex and dynamic diseases. IMANs have the potential to overcome key limitations of current cancer treatments by activating both the innate and adaptive branches of the immune system. This dual stimulation enables a comprehensive anti-tumour response, representing a transformative advancement in cancer therapy. We are pleased to receive this grant in collaboration with LIfT and Hooke Bio, and we look forward to accelerating the clinical development of this groundbreaking immunotherapy." Dr Andrew Finnerty Manager of the Centre for Cell Manufacturing Ireland at University of Galway, said: "We at the Centre for Cell Manufacturing Ire...

Dr. Jeanne Loring is a Co-Founder of Aspen Neuroscience and Professor Emeritus at Scripps Research.  She talks about generating gametes from the functionally extinct northern white rhinoceros, Aspen's early days and its recent clinical trial results for Parkinson's cell therapy, and sending her own stem cells into space. She also discusses the need for genetic variation in iPSC lines.

Good morning from Pharma and Biotech daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in Pharma e Biotech world.George Tidmarsh, a biopharma veteran and adjunct professor at Stanford's medical school, has been appointed as the new head of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). His extensive industry experience will be valuable in his new government position. Data secrecy among cell and gene therapy developers is hindering progress in the field, causing fragmentation, stalling innovation, and delaying access to treatments. Meanwhile, Sarepta is facing challenges with its elevidys shipments and has lost platform designation for its technology. At the same time, Roche's phase III trial in COPD has failed, impacting the market path for astegolimab. Layoffs are happening at companies like GSK, Sail, and BioNTech. Experts are exploring new ways to overcome barriers in cell therapy production.Data secrecy among cell and gene therapy developers continues to hinder progress and access to treatments. Acadia has introduced a new team and pipeline with ambitious goals. Patients are fighting for access to Brainstorm's ALS drug after promising real-world data. Moderna's withdrawal of its flu vaccine has left combination flu/COVID-19 vaccines in limbo. In other news, Sarepta is facing challenges with its DMD gene therapy, Ultragenyx's gene therapy for Sanfilippo syndrome is rejected by the FDA, GSK's Blenrep loses an adcomm vote, and BMS' anemia drug Reblozyl fails a Phase III trial. The FDA is experiencing layoffs and employee turnover amid an overhaul. Vinay Prasad overruled reviewers on Moderna's COVID-19 shot for kids. Upcoming events include a webinar on AI for real-world research and job opportunities in the biopharma industry. Readers are encouraged to provide feedback and suggest topics for future coverage.

Kevin Caldwell, CEO, President, and Co-Founder of Ossium Health, discusses the opportunities for regenerative stem-cell therapies and the challenges of obtaining bone marrow from donors for bone marrow transplants.  Ossium Health is collecting bone marrow from healthy, young donors and utilizing a cryopreservation process that enables long-term storage and on-demand availability of these cells. Ongoing clinical trials using allogeneic bone-marrow-derived cells to treat patients with acute leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome are showing promising results. Kevin explains, "Our mission is to improve the health, longevity, and vitality of human beings through bioengineering. We believe that regenerative therapeutics, which involve cell and gene therapies that can permanently and positively improve human biology, will be fundamental to the prevention of disease and the preservation of health as we age. One of the most powerful tools we have in achieving this goal is engineering the immune system. And in particular at Ossium, we develop therapeutics that enable us today in the clinic to treat life-threatening malignancies of the immune system, like leukemia, in patients with dire need. Into the future, the goal is to make it possible to reconstitute, reprogram, and replace a blood and immune system in a manner that can treat patients with chronic diseases and ultimately do so in a preventive manner."   "Traditionally, the major application of bone marrow in the clinic is bone marrow transplants for patients with blood cancers like leukemia. And so the patient's native immune system is ablated or annihilated and replaced with a bone marrow infusion from a healthy donor, related or unrelated. And if that bone, new bone marrow from the donor in grafts in the patient, then it replaces or it constitutes their blood and immune system."  "And so one of the things that we're working on at Ossium is, okay, how do we address these problems? How do we make bone marrow more available to deliver and deploy on demand and easily, without needing to track down a volunteer donor? What can we do to reduce the risk of rejection so that the transplant is safer? What can we do to improve the likelihood of engraftment the first time and the speed of engraftment so the patients aren't immunocompromised for as long? All of these are things that we're working on to really make it possible to bring this lifesaving procedure to more patients."  #OssiumHealth #StemCellTherapy #RegenerativeMedicine #BoneMarrowTransplants ossiumhealth.com Listen to the podcast here

Kevin Caldwell, CEO, President, and Co-Founder of Ossium Health, discusses the opportunities for regenerative stem-cell therapies and the challenges of obtaining bone marrow from donors for bone marrow transplants.  Ossium Health is collecting bone marrow from healthy, young donors and utilizing a cryopreservation process that enables long-term storage and on-demand availability of these cells. Ongoing clinical trials using allogeneic bone-marrow-derived cells to treat patients with acute leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome are showing promising results. Kevin explains, "Our mission is to improve the health, longevity, and vitality of human beings through bioengineering. We believe that regenerative therapeutics, which involve cell and gene therapies that can permanently and positively improve human biology, will be fundamental to the prevention of disease and the preservation of health as we age. One of the most powerful tools we have in achieving this goal is engineering the immune system. And in particular at Ossium, we develop therapeutics that enable us today in the clinic to treat life-threatening malignancies of the immune system, like leukemia, in patients with dire need. Into the future, the goal is to make it possible to reconstitute, reprogram, and replace a blood and immune system in a manner that can treat patients with chronic diseases and ultimately do so in a preventive manner."   "Traditionally, the major application of bone marrow in the clinic is bone marrow transplants for patients with blood cancers like leukemia. And so the patient's native immune system is ablated or annihilated and replaced with a bone marrow infusion from a healthy donor, related or unrelated. And if that bone, new bone marrow from the donor in grafts in the patient, then it replaces or it constitutes their blood and immune system."  "And so one of the things that we're working on at Ossium is, okay, how do we address these problems? How do we make bone marrow more available to deliver and deploy on demand and easily, without needing to track down a volunteer donor? What can we do to reduce the risk of rejection so that the transplant is safer? What can we do to improve the likelihood of engraftment the first time and the speed of engraftment so the patients aren't immunocompromised for as long? All of these are things that we're working on to really make it possible to bring this lifesaving procedure to more patients."  #OssiumHealth #StemCellTherapy #RegenerativeMedicine #BoneMarrowTransplants ossiumhealth.com Download the transcript here

Want to share your thoughts about the podcast? Text a Message!Welcome to the "Partner with Your Mind" Podcast Series!Episode 2: Command Cell Therapy – Remembering Your Powerful Mind-Body ConnectionIn this episode, you'll get to learn how Command Cell Therapy works within Rapid Transformational Therapy® to boost the power of healing physical and emotional issues. Hear how Beth healed her thyroid issue by using this combination, as well as two profound client transformational stories. You'll even get a sample of Command Cell Therapy at the very end! Be sure to check out the page mentioned here: https://www.inspiredriding.com/dude Please leave a review and share this with friends, if you enjoyed this episode!

In this episode of BioTalk, Rich Bendis welcomes Dr. Helen Sabzevari, President and CEO of Precigen, to discuss the company's cutting-edge science in gene and cell therapy. Dr. Sabzevari shares how Precigen's unique AdenoVerse® platform has powered the development of PRGN-2012, a potential first-in-class therapeutic currently under FDA priority review for the treatment of adults with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), a rare and devastating disease. She also highlights advances across Precigen's broader pipeline in immuno-oncology and autoimmune disease and reflects on how Maryland's BioHealth Capital Region has supported the company's innovation and growth.   Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.   Dr. Helen Sabzevari is the President and CEO of Precigen, Inc., and a leading expert in immunotherapy-based therapeutics. She previously served in executive roles at Compass Therapeutics and Merck KGaA/EMD Serono, where she advanced numerous immuno-oncology programs. Dr. Sabzevari began her career at the National Cancer Institute and has been widely recognized for her leadership and scientific contributions, including honors from NIH, SITC, and Forbes.

TRF podcast May 2025 - Standardizing cell therapy collections by TRANSFUSION's Monthly Podcast

Send us a textEnlivex Therapeutics CEO Oren Hershkovitz, PhD joins us on another WTR Small-Cap x Biotech Spotlight crossover episode to talk about how the company's cell therapy, Allocetra, reprograms macrophages to treat inflammatory diseases. We dive into the recent Phase 1 data in knee osteoarthritis and what to expect from the randomized Phase 2 readout later this year, as well as the market opportunity. Listen to learn more about Enlivex Therapeutics and its off-the-shelf cell therapy platform. 

Welcome to the NeurologyLive® Mind Moments® podcast. Tune in to hear leaders in neurology sound off on topics that impact your clinical practice. In this episode, "Bemdaneprocel and the Future of Cell Therapy in Parkinson Disease" Rajesh Pahwa, MD, director of the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center at the University of Kansas Medical Center, discusses the phase 3 exPDite-2 trial evaluating bemdaneprocel, an investigational cell therapy for Parkinson disease (PD). Pahwa explains the rationale behind cell replacement therapy as a means to restore dopamine production, outlining the progression from fetal tissue implants to stem cell–derived dopaminergic neurons. He details key elements of the study design, including patient selection criteria, trial endpoints, and long-term goals. Reflecting on decades of research in this space, he emphasizes the potential impact of a one-time, hardware-free surgical option and how this novel approach could complement or shift the current treatment landscape. While many questions remain, Pahwa highlights the promise of bemdaneprocel as a next-generation option in Parkinson care. Looking for more Movement disorder discussion? Check out the NeurologyLive® Movement disorder clinical focus page. Episode Breakdown: 1:00 – Mechanism and rationale behind bemdaneprocel as a dopaminergic cell therapy 3:00– Key design considerations for conducting a registrational phase 3 cell therapy trial 5:25 – Trial structure, eligibility criteria, and ongoing patient recruitment 6:35 – Neurology News Minute 8:45 – Significance of reaching phase 3 with a cell therapy in Parkinson disease 10:20 – Future role of cell therapy within the Parkinson disease treatment landscape 12:10 – Unique aspects of the exPDite-2 trial and what sets it apart from earlier efforts The stories featured in this week's Neurology News Minute, which will give you quick updates on the following developments in neurology, are further detailed here: BTK Inhibitor Fenebrutinib Demonstrates Long-Term Suppression of MS Activity in Open-Label Extension REGENXBIO Reports Positive Phase 1/2 Data for Higher Dose of RGX-202 in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy NewAmsterdam Pharma Reports Positive Topline Data of Alzheimer Agent Obicetrapib from Phase 3 BROADWAY Trial Thanks for listening to the NeurologyLive® Mind Moments® podcast. To support the show, be sure to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. For more neurology news and expert-driven content, visit neurologylive.com.

In this episode of Bench to Bedside, Dr. Roy Jensen, vice chancellor and director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center, sits down with Dr. David Akhavan, a physician-scientist pioneering cell therapy research for brain cancer. Dr. Akhavan discusses the revolutionary potential of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy in treating cancers like glioblastoma, the complexities involved and the innovative approaches his team is employing, such as smarter engineered T-cells and nanoparticles. Highlighting the collaboration within KU Cancer Center, Dr. Akhavan also shares personal insights into his motivation and the future of cancer treatment. Do you have questions about cancer? Call our Bench to Bedside Hotline at (913) 588-3880 or email us at benchtobedside@kumc.edu, and your comment or question may be shared on an upcoming episode! If you appreciated this episode, please share, rate, subscribe and leave a review. To ensure you get our latest updates, For the latest updates, follow us on the social media channel of your choice by searching for KU Cancer Center. Links from this Episode: Learn more about cell therapy at KU Cancer Center Learn more about brain cancer Read more about Dr. Akhavan's work on the KU Cancer Center blog, “Exploring Immunotherapy Treatments to Treat Brain Cancer” Learn about Head for the Cure Read how physician-scientists at KU Cancer Center bridge the gap between the laboratory and the clinic  

In this episode of The Top Line, Fierce Biotech’s Chris Hayden sat down with Dr. Juergen Eckhardt of Bayer and Dr. Seth Ettenberg of BlueRock Therapeutics to discuss an innovative partnership that’s reshaping how big pharma teams up with biotech startups. BlueRock, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bayer, operates with the independence of a small biotech while benefiting from Bayer’s global reach and infrastructure. The “arm’s-length” model gives BlueRock the agility to innovate while leveraging Bayer’s resources in manufacturing, clinical trials and commercialization. The collaboration has already led to major milestones, including the development of a promising cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease, which is expected to enter Phase 3 trials later this year. “This isn’t just a partnership—it’s a relationship,” Eckhardt said. “We’re combining the best of both worlds: biotech speed and pharma scale.” The episode also explores how Bayer’s experience in biologics manufacturing has helped BlueRock overcome one of regenerative medicine’s biggest challenges—scaling complex cell therapies. The model has proven so effective that Bayer has since replicated it with other companies, signaling a broader shift in how the company approaches innovation. To learn more about this unique partnership and what it means for the future of neurological disease treatment, listen to the full episode of The Top Line.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode focuses on the operational considerations for the use of in vivo and viral based gene therapies in health-system pharmacies and the appropriate stakeholders. CE for this episode expires on May 31, 2027.   The information presented during the podcast reflects solely the opinions of the presenter. The information and materials are not, and are not intended as, a comprehensive source of drug information on this topic. The contents of the podcast have not been reviewed by ASHP, and should neither be interpreted as the official policies of ASHP, nor an endorsement of any product(s), nor should they be considered as a substitute for the professional judgment of the pharmacist or physician.

Despite the long holiday weekend, news in biopharma never slows down. In this week’s episode of "The Top Line," the Fierce team breaks down some of the biggest stories from the past week. On the pharma side, Eric Sagonowsky and Kevin Dunleavy examine Big Pharma’s first-quarter 2025 performance. While most of the top 25 companies are still delivering strong sales growth despite emerging uncertainties in Washington, D.C., a few major players are starting to see a slowdown. Each company tells a different story, and Sagonowsky and Dunleavy dive into the nuances of the current commercial landscape. Later, Fierce Biotech's Gabrielle Masson and Darren Incorvaia highlight key data from the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy conference and preview what the team is watching at this week’s American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting. To learn more about the topics in this episode: Seven top pharmas posted revenue declines in Q1. The common thread? All are US firms Atsena eye disease gene therapy hits safety goals, closes retinal splits in phase 1/2 ASGCT: Analysts see Rocket gene therapy setting 'a new bar' for efficacy in heart condition Rocket crashes as gene therapy patient dies, FDA imposes hold This episode is sponsored by Cencora. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Jacqueline Barry is the Chief Clinical Officer at Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, Dr. Kapil Bharti is a Senior Investigator at the National Eye Institute at the National Institutes of Health, and Dr. Jack Mosher is the Scientific Director at the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR). They discuss their work on the ISSCR's Best Practices for the Development of Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cellular Therapies. They talk about the need for consistency and rigor in cell therapy development, and how the document can be navigated and applied across jurisdictions.

This episode reviews the viral replication process, common viral vectors for in vivo gene therapy, and Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies. The episode will also highlight novel in vivo gene therapies in the development pipeline. CE for this episode expires on May 25, 2027.   The information presented during the podcast reflects solely the opinions of the presenter. The information and materials are not, and are not intended as, a comprehensive source of drug information on this topic. The contents of the podcast have not been reviewed by ASHP, and should neither be interpreted as the official policies of ASHP, nor an endorsement of any product(s), nor should they be considered as a substitute for the professional judgment of the pharmacist or physician.

Good morning from Pharma and Biotech daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in Pharma and Biotech world.Regeneron has acquired ownership of 23andme for $256 million, promising to comply with consumer privacy policies. Makary's proposed rare disease pathway has sparked hope but raised questions among experts. At the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy meeting, the first personalized in vivo CRISPR therapy was reported. The FDA has cleared the first Alzheimer's blood test, potentially boosting uptake of Alzheimer's disease therapies. Bio-Rad's new Center for Excellence is redefining antibody discovery with their Pioneer Antibody Discovery Platform. FDA regulations are unlikely to save money for the industry, and Applied Therapeutics' rare disease treatment has failed in late-stage trials. The memory gap in forgotten diseases is making a dangerous comeback, and Novo CEO's sudden exit has raised concerns among analysts.FDA Commissioner Marty Makary's proposal for a 'conditional approval' pathway for rare diseases has sparked hope among biopharma companies, but experts are raising concerns about safety, access, and liability due to a lack of details. The FDA and NIH are accelerating the shift away from animal research, which has raised questions about safety and implementation. Meanwhile, FDA cuts have led to chaos in planning for upcoming advisory committee meetings. The Trump administration's efforts to slash regulations may not necessarily benefit the industry as anticipated. Sarepta is seeking to strengthen its case for Elevidys with data in older kids, while other companies such as Incyte and Lilly are making progress with their drug approvals. Overall, the biopharma industry is facing challenges and uncertainties in navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.

The potential of pluripotent stem cells and the ability to scale and differentiate them to generate large numbers of enriched cell populations has created new opportunities and approaches to treat human disease. Preclinical proof-of-principle data demonstrates that stem cell-derived neural grafts can be used to reverse symptoms of multiple neurological conditions, including Parkinson's Disease. Cell grafts enriched with dopaminergic neurons, can structurally and functionally integrate in the brain of Parkinson's Disease models to reverse motor deficits, a finding which has launched several clinical trials. While the results in animal models is essential proof-of-concept, the survival and integration of these cells is suboptimal compared to treatments from fetal-derived ventral midbrain grafts.  An area of preclinical and clinical research showing promise in influencing neuronal survival and plasticity is exercise. The benefits of exercise on neural function and disease progression have been widely reported and they have also been shown to enhance the survival and integration of transplanted cells in models of some neurological diseases. However, there is limited data on the benefit of exercise on the functional outcomes of neural grafts in Parkinson's Disease models. The guests on today's program will discuss their recent study looking at the effect of exercise on cellular engraftment and functional recovery in animal models of Parkinson's Disease and the implications for clinical outcomes. GuestsClare Parish, PhD, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and University of Melbourne, Australia Niamh Moriarty, PhD, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and University of Melbourne, AustraliaSupporting ContentPaper link: Exercise promotes the functional integration of human stem cell-derived neural grafts in a rodent model of Parkinson's disease HostJanet Rossant, Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports and The Gairdner FoundationAbout Stem Cell ReportsStem Cell Reports is the open access, peer-reviewed journal of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) for communicating basic discoveries in stem cell research, in addition to translational and clinical studies. Stem Cell Reports focuses on original research with conceptual or practical advances that are of broad interest to stem cell biologists and clinicians.X: @StemCellReportsAbout ISSCRWith nearly 5,000 members from more than 80 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research (@ISSCR) is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to stem cell research and its translation to the clinic. The ISSCR mission is to promote excellence in stem cell science and applications to human health.ISSCR StaffKeith Alm, Chief Executive OfficerYvonne Fisher, Managing Editor, Stem Cell ReportsKym Kilbourne, Director of Media and Strategic CommunicationsMegan Koch, Senior Marketing ManagerJack Mosher, Scientific AdvisorHunter Reed, Senior Marketing Coordinator

We love to hear from our listeners. Send us a message.In this episode of Cell & Gene: The Podcast, Host Erin Harris sits down with Peter Altman, Ph.D., CEO of BioCardia, to discuss the company's evolution from a cardiac biotherapeutic delivery firm to a developer of autologous and allogeneic cell therapies for cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. Altman highlights BioCardia's CardiAMP program, a precision medicine approach that pre-screens patients based on their cell profiles to improve trial outcomes and reduce costs. He explains why no cardiac cell therapy has yet received FDA approval, citing challenges in delivery, immune rejection, and arrhythmia risks. Altman outlines BioCardia's near-term roadmap, including regulatory submissions in the U.S. and Japan and the launch of a second trial focused on patients most likely to benefit.Subscribe to the podcast!Apple | Spotify | YouTube

The good — Thermo Fisher opens center to boost cell therapy development The bad — FDA cites Aurobindo plant after Raleigh inspection The ugly — Trump probes pharma imports as tariff threat looms

In this episode of Molecule to Market, you'll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with Jason C. Foster, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director at Ori Biotech. Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chain with Jason, covering: How being frustrated by big company life led to the development of a business unit within Reckitt Benckiser that went on to be valued at $1bn The story of how a spin-out went on to list on the LSE with a cool $3.5bn market cap Taking his skills and experience before making 18+ healthcare start-up investments,... determined to add value beyond the cash Being wowed by the potential of CGTs and building the business he always wanted to work for in Ori The mission is to build enabling technology for power cell therapy companies and cut down the manufacturing costs by at least 50% to improve accessibility and affordability. Jason has held leading roles in consulting, healthcare and technology companies for over 20 years in the US, UK and Europe. He is CEO and Executive Director for Ori Biotech, a cell and gene therapy manufacturing technology start-up with offices in London and New Jersey. He raised a $100M Series B funding round in December 2022. Jason also serves as a Non-Executive Director of London-based health tech start-ups gripAble and Credentially and Auxita Pty, an Australian healthcare data platform. As the Managing Director of Health Equity Consulting, he has advised PE/VC funds, family offices, accelerators and healthTech start-ups.   Please subscribe, tell your industry colleagues and join us in celebrating and promoting the value and importance of the global life science outsourcing space. We'd also appreciate a positive rating! Molecule to Market is also sponsored and funded by ramarketing, an international marketing, design, digital and content agency helping companies differentiate, get noticed and grow in life sciences.

In this episode, we explore the groundbreaking role of T-cell immunology in early disease detection and innovative immunotherapy treatments with Dr. Nigel McCracken, Chief Operating Officer at Virax Biolabs. With over 25 years of experience in oncology and infectious disease research, Dr. McCracken shares his insights on how T-cell diagnostics are reshaping the landscape of immune health. Virax Biolabs is leading the charge in diagnostic testing and personalized medicine, leveraging state-of-the-art biotechnology to combat chronic inflammation, immune dysfunction, and post-viral conditions. Their pioneering work in adaptive immunity is driving advancements in vaccineresearch and autoimmune disorders, offering new hope for patients worldwide. Before joining Virax, Dr. McCracken played key roles in companies like BerGenBio ASA and NuCana PLC, spearheading oncology research, companion diagnostics, and next-generation therapeutic strategies. Tune in now to discover: The critical role of T-cells in the fight against chronic illness. How immune system dysfunction contributes to conditions like long COVID and post-viral syndrome. The evolving future of medical diagnostics, immune health, and public health. What makes T-cell therapy a game-changer in immunotherapy and inflammation awareness. Follow Dr. McCracken's latest work at Virax Biolabs to stay at the forefront of immune system health innovation! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/38oMlMr

ATMPs, gene therapies, and cancer breakthroughs are here—but outdated regulations, high costs, and logistical bottlenecks are blocking access. What needs to change for hospitals to deliver these cures to patients who need them most?

Send us a textThe intricacies of tech transfer and the challenges of scaling manufacturing processes are often underestimated in the biotechnology industry. Understanding these complexities is crucial for translating innovative scientific breakthroughs into commercially viable products.In the second part of the conversation with Jason Foster, CEO of Ori Biotech, host David Brühlmann explores the complexities of cell therapy manufacturing. Their discussion highlights key challenges, including tech transfer, scale-out strategies, and the crucial role of commercial strategy alongside scientific excellence.Jason also revealed a groundbreaking approach in the cell therapy space. He detailed how Ori's IRO® platform can process multiple patient doses simultaneously, enabling treatment for 30 patients in parallel within just 1,000 square feet of clean room space. This innovative method drastically reduces clean room requirements by about 95% and facility sizes by approximately 50%, significantly cutting costs associated with building and operating large-scale facilities.As Jason emphasized, this shift not only accelerates access to groundbreaking therapies but also provides a sustainable model for scaling cell therapy production.Key Points to Remember:Integrated Approach: Scientists should look beyond their specialized areas and understand the requirements of subsequent bioprocessing stages to maximize patient impact.Technological Evolution: Advancing distributed manufacturing and enhancing in-line analytics are essential steps to revolutionize the biotech landscape.Commercial Viability: Prioritizing commercial feasibility alongside safety and efficacy in preclinical development can prevent costly late-stage setbacks.This episode of the Smart Biotech Scientist underscores the complexities and transformative potential of cell therapy manufacturing. As the industry continues to innovate, integrating commercial viability, flexibility, and advanced manufacturing solutions will be critical. By breaking down silos and fostering collaboration, we can accelerate the development of life-saving therapies—ensuring they reach patients faster and more efficiently.Connect with Jason FosterLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncfosterOribiotech: https://oribiotech.comWondering how to develop cell and gene therapies with peace of mind? Schedule your free assessment to propel your success: https://bruehlmann-consulting.com/assessmentDevelop biotherapeutics better, faster, at a fraction of the cost with our 1:1 Strategy Call. Book your call at https://stan.store/SmartBiotech/p/book-a-11-call-with-me-j4vhuo6t

The informant's microphone picked up the din of the busy beachfront restaurant. Sheriff's deputies were stationed in a covert van nearby. They had a camera trained on one of the large windows, focusing on the target's hands passing an envelope of money to the informant. Still clear enough over the customer's chatter, the informant asked when he wanted it done. “Yesterday” was the response…*** LISTENER CAUTION IS ADVISED *** This episode was researched and written by Eileen Macfarlane.Edited by Joel Porter at Dot Dot Dot Productions.Script editing, additional writing, illustrations and production direction by Rosanna FittonNarration, additional audio editing, script editing, and production direction by Benjamin Fitton.To get early ad-free access, including Season 1, sign up for They Walk Among PLUS, available from Patreon or Apple Podcasts.More information and episode references can be found on our website https://theywalkamonguspodcast.comMUSIC: Sabotage by Cody Martin Darker Days by Alternate Endings Far From Home by Cody Martin Illusion by Cody Martin Playing Games by Cody Martin A Construct by Falls Moonbeam by Falls Fractured Light by Stephen Keech Fleet Street by Stephen Keech Glass Houses by Third Age Bingdu by Kevin Graham Liminal by Chelsea McGough Blackstone by Lincoln Davis Stratos by Lone Canyon Life Giving by Moments Cocoon Of Light by Phillip Mount Blinding Light by Salon Dijon Distances by Salon Dijon Harboring by Salon Dijon The Matter At Hand by Salon Dijon Worth by Shimmer Stasis Interrupted by Dresden, the Flamingo Winds Of Change by Four Trees SOCIAL MEDIA: https://linktr.ee/TheyWalkAmongUsSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/theywalkamongus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.