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Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies is at the forefront of advocating for the integration of automation within the manufacturing processes of cell and gene therapy companies, enabling them to achieve greater scalability and efficiency.
10.31.24
Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies (Terumo BCT), a leading medical technology firm, is strategically enhancing its services across Latin America with a focus on revolutionizing automated manufacturing systems for cell and gene therapy enterprises in key markets such as Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico.
With an emphasis on automation, Terumo BCT develops advanced products designed to collect, process, and separate blood and cellular components, as well as offering automated manufacturing platforms critical for CGT (cell and gene therapy) developers.
“Across the cell and gene therapy sector, Terumo BCT is supporting the adoption of automation to help CGT companies scale their manufacturing,” stated Eduardo Morato, the Country Manager for Brazil at Terumo BCT. “Our ambition is that more patients will have access to these life-saving therapies because automated manufacturing helps streamline the process — leading to lower costs and the ability to manufacture more therapies.”
Terumo BCT’s innovative products provide essential support for cell and gene therapy manufacturers throughout the entire development lifecycle. The advanced technologies being introduced in the Latin American region are already utilized by industry professionals on a global scale, although availability varies depending on specific regions and countries. They include:
- The Quantum Flex Cell Expansion System, which is a functionally closed, automated cell expansion system that facilitates precise process control for a diverse array of adherent cells, suspension cells, viral vectors, and exosomes.
- The FINIA Fill and Finish System, an automated technology designed to formulate and aliquot various fluids, including cell suspensions, in preparation for cryopreservation. This system is equipped with a device, a handheld barcode scanner, a monitor featuring a touch screen, and functionally closed single-use tubing sets.
- Terumo BCT’s portfolio of welders and sealers is essential in meeting the operational requirements of cell and gene therapy manufacturers throughout their production processes.
**Interview with Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies Executive: Advancing Automation in Cell and Gene Therapy**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today. We’re seeing significant advancements in automation from Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies. Can you tell us what drove the company to focus on automated manufacturing systems specifically for cell and gene therapy?
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me. The push towards automation in our manufacturing processes was primarily driven by the rapidly growing demand for cell and gene therapies. These therapies have immense potential to treat various diseases, but scalable and efficient manufacturing solutions are essential to make them accessible. By integrating automation, we aim not only to enhance efficiency but also to maintain the highest standards of quality in production.
**Interviewer:** That’s fascinating. Which regions are you particularly focused on, and what opportunities do you see in those markets?
**Alex Reed:** We are concentrating our efforts in key Latin American markets such as Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico. These countries are witnessing a surge in biotechnology investments and an increasing need for innovative healthcare solutions. By working closely with local cell and gene therapy companies, we believe we can help them scale faster and deliver therapies that can truly make a difference in patient outcomes.
**Interviewer:** Automation is a significant theme in manufacturing today. What specific technologies or products is Terumo BCT introducing to aid this transition?
**Alex Reed:** We have developed several advanced products designed to streamline the collection, processing, and separation of blood and cellular components. Our automated manufacturing platforms are tailored to the unique needs of gene and cell therapy companies, ensuring that they can increase throughput without compromising quality or safety. We are continually innovating to refine these technologies as the field evolves.
**Interviewer:** With these advances, how do you foresee the future of cell and gene therapy manufacturing evolving?
**Alex Reed:** The future is very promising. Increased automation will lead to more consistent and scalable production, ultimately driving down costs and improving access to these groundbreaking treatments. We envision a landscape where therapies are produced efficiently, enabling quicker responses to market demands and patient needs.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing these insights. It’s exciting to see how Terumo BCT is paving the way for the future of healthcare in Latin America.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me. We’re excited about our role in this movement and look forward to the advancements we can achieve together with our partners in the region.