PHC and CCRM Partner to Develop T-Cell Expansion Processes for Enhanced Efficiency and Quality
PHC Corporation has entered into a Master Collaboration Agreement with CCRM to develop primary T-cell expansion culture processes aimed at advancing cell and gene therapy (CGT) manufacturing. This collaboration will combine PHC’s LiCellGrow™ cell expansion system, currently under development, with CCRM’s expertise in regenerative medicine and biomanufacturing. Together, they will create innovative culture processes to enhance the efficiency and quality of CGT cell cultures.
Primary T-cells play a critical role in the process development and manufacturing of cell and gene therapies (CGTs), particularly in treatments like CAR-T cell therapy. However, T-cells harvested directly from patients often face challenges in terms of variability in growth rates and quality, which complicates efforts to maintain consistent cell counts and high-quality cultures throughout the production process. These issues present significant obstacles for researchers striving to ensure the stability and effectiveness of cell-based therapeutics. To address these challenges, there is an urgent need for improved cell culture processes that can enhance both the efficiency and quality of T-cell production for CGTs.
To tackle this issue, PHC Corporation and CCRM have entered into a Master Collaboration Agreement to develop advanced primary T-cell expansion culture processes. This collaborative effort seeks to streamline and enhance the manufacturing of CGTs, bringing new approaches to the critical task of scaling up and improving the production of T-cells for therapeutic use.
Chikara Takauo, Director of PHC and Head of the Biomedical Division overseeing the company’s Life Science business, commented on the importance of this partnership: “We are delighted to begin this joint research and development initiative with CCRM, a leader with 14 years of experience in the commercialization of regenerative medicine and CGT. By combining the technologies and expertise of both of our organizations, we aim to advance the manufacturing processes for cell-based therapeutics and cell culture technologies, contributing to the early practical application of CGT.”
One of PHC’s notable innovations in this field is its proprietary In-Line monitoring technology, which allows for real-time tracking of key indicators of cell metabolism during culture. This system addresses significant issues in cell culture, such as quality control and reproducibility, by providing continuous, precise measurements of glucose uptake and lactate production. Traditional methods of monitoring cell metabolism often rely on sampling, which provides limited insight into the ongoing metabolic changes occurring within the culture.
In contrast, PHC’s In-Line monitoring system offers a far more detailed and accurate view of the cells’ metabolic state, enabling researchers to gain a deeper understanding of the changes that occur throughout the cell culture process. This technology is especially valuable in optimizing the conditions required for efficient cell growth and consistent product quality.
In 2024, PHC launched its live-cell metabolic analyzer, LiCellMo™, which incorporates this innovative In-Line monitoring technology. The product was introduced in several markets, including the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, China, Singapore, and Taiwan. The LiCellMo™ analyzer provides a valuable tool for researchers and biomanufacturers by delivering real-time metabolic insights that can directly influence the success of CGT production.
Building on this technology, PHC is also developing LiCellGrow™, an advanced cell expansion system that automatically adjusts the media based on the metabolic needs of the cells. This system ensures that the culture environment remains optimal throughout the cell growth process, thereby improving both the efficiency and quality of the final product. By automating media exchanges based on real-time data, LiCellGrow™ eliminates the need for manual interventions, reduces the risk of human error, and ensures that cells are maintained in the most favorable conditions for expansion. Through this development, PHC aims to offer a comprehensive range of solutions that will support the full spectrum of research, process development, and commercial manufacturing of cell-based therapeutics.
Michael May, President and CEO of CCRM, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are excited to collaborate with PHC to unlock new possibilities in cell culture. Technology development partnerships, like this one, are key to advancing the industry and making CGT more cost-effective, and therefore more accessible to patients around the world.”
By combining PHC’s cutting-edge technology with CCRM’s expertise in regenerative medicine and biomanufacturing, the two organizations hope to establish new culture processes for primary T-cells. This collaboration will focus on optimizing culture conditions using LiCellGrow™ to accelerate the development of improved T-cell culture methods. The goal is to enhance cell quality, increase manufacturing efficiency, and reduce the overall cost of producing cell-based therapeutics.
Ultimately, this joint initiative aims to play a significant role in overcoming the current limitations in CGT manufacturing. With advancements in culture processes, researchers and manufacturers will be able to produce more consistent, high-quality T-cells, paving the way for broader access to innovative therapies for patients. Through this partnership, PHC and CCRM are poised to make a lasting impact on the future of cell and gene therapy, helping to bring these life-changing treatments to more patients around the world.
