Cell Therapies

Year

2026

The idea

CAR-T cells for personalized cancer treatment are to be produced by means of a flexible, automated production system.

The objective

Personalized cells for several patients can be produced in parallel in clinics in intelligent , modular miniature factories with a cassette system.

Technical data

• Cell culture chamber for viral modification and cultivation of the cells
• Dosing/distribution of media within the cassette by means of a bonded manifold

Background

CAR-T cell therapies are an alternative to existing methods of cancer treatment: in a biocell, immune cells extracted from a patient are modified, multiplied and returned so that the immune system can fight the cancer cells on its own. Adaptable automation will enable cell therapies to be produced directly on location, making them more rapidly available at lower cost in the future.

Operating principle

The miniature factories consist of various modules through which the individual cassettes pass step by step. Here, the cells from each patient undergo the required treatment steps. The cassette for modification of the cells houses a self-contained, sterile fluid system, and automation components ensure precise transport of the fluids.

Technology

In the cell culture chamber, the T cells are brought into contact with viruses which introduce the genetic material containing the blueprint for so-called CAR receptors. The media required for this process are precisely dosed, mixed, and tempered by means of a bonded manifold.

Bonded manifold

The bonded manifold contains integrated valves and a system of channels that interconnect all areas of the cassette. The fluids are propelled by compressed air or vacuum. To recharge the cassette for further patients, only those components that have come into contact with the cells and viruses need to be replaced. This intuitive, environment-conscious system stands for personalized medicine, biotransformation and the circular economy.

Material

Cell Therapies