ProPharma and PBL Introduce Manufacturing Device for Cell and Gene Therapies
ProPharm and PBL have recently introduced the Cell Factory Box, a state-of-the-art cell factory manufacturing device that is fully automated and enclosed
ProPharma, a US-based company specializing in regulatory, clinical, and compliance services for the life sciences industry, has recently introduced the Cell Factory Box (CF Box). Developed in collaboration with Italy-based PBL, a leading provider of custom solutions to the pharmaceutical, chemical, and diagnostics sectors, this innovative device offers a fully automated and enclosed cell factory system. This device allows for the easy production of various cell and gene therapies (CGTs) in controlled environments, as stated in a press release dated May 2, 2024.
“When it comes to treatment options, there is a growing trend towards a decentralized approach to manufacturing [CGTs],” stated Eleonora Casucci, vice-president of Quality & Compliance EU, ProPharma, in the press release. The CF Box offers significant benefits over existing devices. Our partnership with PBL allows us to effectively cater to the needs of those in the [CGT] segment.
The release states that the CF Box utilizes AI technology that has already been approved and is highly automated, resulting in a significant reduction in manual operation. The device's design also minimizes the requirement for high-class clean rooms. With the help of advanced AI technology, the CF Box utilizes batch detection recognition that remains in a fixed state during validation and batch manufacturing. Users have the flexibility to choose modules that cater to their specific requirements and select the desired products or technologies. You can also add additional modules as you progress.
The press release highlights the availability of various automated systems and tools in the market. These include robotic arms, cameras, liquid transfer systems, conveyor belts, components, and tools. The automation capabilities extend to alerting the operator when the culture has achieved the desired values. The design is highly adaptable for automating manual processes and can handle a wide range of manufacturing tasks. The CF Box is programmable for a range of processes, such as cell culture expansion and manufacturing timeline optimization, as stated in the release.
“It is a great privilege to collaborate with ProPharma on this significant endeavor,” expressed Filippo Begarani, the Research and Innovation manager at PBL, in the press release. Our primary objective is to create and execute cutting-edge solutions that meet the highest standards of quality and innovation. The CF Box device is set to revolutionize the manufacturing of [CGTs] by enabling consistent and reproducible processes across multiple locations.
The CF Box will be showcased in Frankfurt, Germany, during ACHEMA, which is scheduled to take place from June 10–14, 2024. PBL is also providing demonstrations after the event and upon request at its facility in Parma, Italy.
According to projections, the global CGT market is expected to reach a size of $82.24 billion by 2032, showing a significant growth rate of 18.3% annually. There has been a significant rise in the CGT clinical pipeline and an uptick in regulatory approvals for innovative medicines, which are driving the market forward.
Source: ProPharma
