A robotics firm, Multiply Labs, has developed a robotic system for cell therapy manufacturing that performs as well as manual processes. The data shows that automated cell therapy manufacturing outcomes are statistically equivalent to manual processes. This technology can automate an existing cell expansion protocol without changing the process or impacting product characteristics. The results have the potential to decrease labor costs and increase manufacturing throughput for life-saving cell therapies. 🤖💉
The robotic system’s ability to culture T cells was assessed using parallel manual and robotic conditions. Cell quantity, quality, and viability were statistically indistinguishable between the two conditions. Gene expression analyses showed no statistical differences in markers between manual and robotic conditions. None of the robotic cell expansion samples were contaminated, highlighting the potential of automation to prevent microbial contamination. 🧬✨
While automation is challenging in biomanufacturing, Multiply Labs focused on developing a system compatible with existing instruments, reducing regulatory barriers. This proof of concept focused on cell expansion, but there is potential to automate the entire cell therapy manufacturing process. The high cost of personnel and facility expenses have limited patient access to cell therapies, so this technology could be a game-changer. 💪💊
Overall, the study demonstrates the feasibility and benefits of using robotics in cell therapy manufacturing, paving the way for more accessible and efficient treatments. 🏥🌟
Introduction:
Researchers at Multiply Labs, in collaboration with UCSF, Cytiva, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Charles River Laboratories, have developed an automated robotic system for cell therapy manufacturing. The study aimed to assess the robotic system’s ability to culture T cells and compare the outcomes with manual cell culture. The results demonstrate that the automated system produces statistically equivalent cell quantity and quality to the manual process, indicating the possibility of automating existing cell expansion protocols without significant modifications.
- Multiply Labs has developed an automated robotic system for cell therapy manufacturing, which was tested for culturing T cells.
- The research findings show that the automated system achieved statistically equivalent cell quantity and quality compared to manual cell culture.
- Automating cell expansion protocols without major modifications can reduce labor costs and increase manufacturing throughput for life-saving therapies.
- The robotic system showed no contamination, whereas one of the manual cell expansions tested positive for microbial contamination.
- Multiply Labs’ strategy focuses on compatibility with existing cell therapy manufacturing instruments, reducing regulatory barriers for automation.
Conclusion:
The study conducted by Multiply Labs demonstrates the successful development of an automated robotic system for cell therapy manufacturing. The results indicate that the automated system produces comparable outcomes to manual cell culture, offering the potential to decrease labor costs and increase manufacturing throughput. These findings have significant implications for the scalability and availability of cell therapies, as approximately half of the manufacturing costs are driven by labor. By focusing on compatibility with existing instruments and minimizing process changes, Multiply Labs aims to overcome regulatory barriers and advance automation in biomanufacturing.
