Bioprocessing of Gene and Cell Therapies
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Developing robust, reproducible and efficient bioprocesses for gene and cell therapy
IRAS ID
221582
Contact name
Farlan Veraitch
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Duration of Study in the UK
6 years, 0 months, 13 days
Research summary
Modified autologous (personalised) T-cell therapies, where cells are harvested from a patient, manipulated and then delivered back to the patient, are potential cures for cancers. Current production of clinical material is carried out manually with poor process control and low efficiency. Novel engineering solutions, providing optimal conditions throughout, are required for their robust and consistent manufacture, and reduced risk of failure. Patient cell samples used to manufacture autologous T-cell therapies are variable in composition, meaning that the ratio of wanted/unwanted cells are different in different patients. Cell composition, process parameters and supplemented factors must be defined and controlled to develop a platform to produce T cells with low risk of failure.\n\nThe aim of the study is to develop a novel enhanced manufacturing platform for generation of T-cells. Each manufacturing step in the conventional T-cells production is either re-designed or optimised to increase the efficiency and reduce the final cost of manufacturing. Different stages of T-cell bioprocessing including, isolation of T cells from blood, activation of T cells, transduction (via Lentivirus) and expansion will be studied in different PhD projects (further information in the research protocol). Different combinations of physical and chemical parameters (as explained in section A-13) will be assessed to develop a more robust and efficient platform to reduce the cost of manufacturing. \n
REC name
South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/SW/0189
Date of REC Opinion
22 Aug 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion