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Category: Cell & Gene Therapy

Navigating the Complex Landscape of Cell and Gene Therapies: The Role of Automated Sample Storage Solutions

Recap of an Interview with David Lewandowski, Azenta Life Sciences, and Carol Houts, Chief Strategy Officer at Germfree, in partnership with Phacilitate The cutting-edge domain of cell and gene therapies is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with innovative technologies and groundbreaking treatments promising to revolutionize healthcare. However, as these therapies continue to advance, so do the challenges surrounding […]

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The Benefits of Automating Cold Chain Infrastructure for Cryogenic Sample Management

Automation plays a vital role in the manufacturing process of advanced therapies, yet the cold chain infrastructure has often been overlooked. While automated solutions are sometimes perceived as expensive alternatives, recent studies have demonstrated the tangible benefits of automating cold chain processes, including time efficiencies and improved process rigor. This article explores a study conducted […]

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Expert Insights on Cryopreservation and Transient Warming from Dr. Jason Acker

An Interview with Cryobiology Expert Dr. Jason Acker Freezing is stressful for mammalian cells – to say the least. Cells face potentially dangerous ice crystals and severe dehydration when cooled to very low temperatures. Yet, by carefully configuring a cryopreservation protocol, cells can be shielded from injury. Thanks to discoveries in cryobiology, scientists have preserved […]

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Considerations for Protecting Cell Viability During Cryopreservation

Cryopreservation extends the viability of cells by cooling them to extremely low temperatures and thus keeping them in a safe, biochemically inactive state. This process gives much-needed flexibility to researchers and those developing cell-based therapies. The latter involves collecting living cells from donors, transporting them to manufacturing sites for processing or screening, and then delivering […]

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Cryostorage for Cell Therapies: Addressing Standardization Obstacles

When Pfizer initially released its COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, distributing it was a major challenge. Scientists thought that the vaccine had to be stored at -70°C, requiring dry ice or ultra-cold freezers. At scale, explains David Lewandowski, Azenta’s ‪Strategic Partnerships Manager for Automated Storage, “Temperature matters. The warmer it is, the easier it is [to deliver […]

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New Automated Cryostorage System Fits All Spaces from Lab to Clinic

Azenta Launches CryoArc™ Pico at SLAS2023 Many cell and gene therapies today rely on cryostorage with precise cold chain handling to ensure the viability and effectiveness of the cells that deliver life-saving treatments. But accessing these cell therapies can sometimes be a cumbersome process for labs and clinics that don’t have the space needed to […]

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The Cold Truth About Storing and Managing Advanced Therapies

Manufacturing and distribution of advanced therapies relies on stable low temperatures. Cellular products and other biological materials are often stored below -135°C, the glass transition temperature of water (Tg), where enzymatic activity is believed to cease. Routine handling in and out of storage can expose materials to temperatures above Tg, leading to degradation and reduced […]

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Navigating the Complexities of CGT Clinical Trial Sample Management

As cell and gene therapies (CGT) advance into the clinical stage, many cold chain complexities arise not only for these novel products but also for the biological samples that must be collected from patients during clinical trials. Managing these sensitive materials—including storage, transportation, and tracking—requires robust and adaptable systems to ensure safety, integrity, and regulatory […]

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The Whitehead Family Continues the Fight Against Childhood Cancers

CAR T-Cell Therapy is Giving Patients Hope for the Future In 2010, Emily Whitehead was diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukemia. Just five-years old, she received chemotherapy—the best available treatment at the time. When her cancer returned in 2011, Emily became the first child in the world to receive an experimental CAR T-cell therapy. This innovative approach […]

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