Thermo Fisher Opens San Diego Center to Boost Cell Therapy Development
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the global leader in serving science, has officially opened its Advanced Therapies Collaboration Center (ATxCC) in Carlsbad, California. The state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to accelerating the development and commercialization of cell therapies—especially those focused on cell-based immunotherapies—and aims to support a wide range of partners in the biotech, biopharma, and translational medicine sectors.
This new center reflects Thermo Fisher’s broader commitment to helping researchers and developers overcome the complex challenges in cell therapy manufacturing. By offering direct access to cutting-edge tools, proprietary technologies, and deep expertise in process optimization, the center is positioned to provide developers with comprehensive, scalable, and efficient solutions to help bring life-changing treatments to patients faster.
An End-to-End Resource for Cell Therapy Innovators
The ATxCC in Carlsbad is designed to help therapy developers craft robust, end-to-end workflows for the manufacturing of cell therapies. These workflows incorporate Thermo Fisher’s vast portfolio of reagents, instruments, lab equipment, and analytical technologies, allowing teams to optimize their processes and transition smoothly from early-stage development to clinical and commercial production.
“Our new Advanced Therapies Collaboration Center represents a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to deliver solutions that address critical challenges in cell therapy development,” said Betty Woo, Vice President of Cell, Gene and Advanced Therapies at Thermo Fisher Scientific. “By enabling access to our expertise and broad range of instrumentation, reagents, lab equipment and analytical solutions, we aim to help our customers overcome manufacturing hurdles and accelerate their path to commercialization. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the center is poised to play a pivotal role in helping to advance cell therapies, ultimately improving patient lives.”
Key Benefits of the ATxCC Program
Thermo Fisher’s new center is more than just a facility—it’s a collaborative hub where developers can access unique technologies, dedicated support, and regulatory insights that streamline the path to market. Some of the key program benefits include:
- Early Access to Next-Generation Technologies: Developers can work with Thermo Fisher’s laboratory instruments and analytical platforms even before they become broadly available. These tools are designed to enhance manufacturing speed, reduce contamination risks, and ensure consistency in final products.
- Process Optimization and Protocol Support: Expert scientists and engineers work side-by-side with developers to fine-tune protocols and build scalable, reproducible manufacturing processes using Thermo Fisher’s proprietary products and platforms.
- Comprehensive Support for Evolving Programs: As therapeutic programs grow and advance, developers receive ongoing guidance from Thermo Fisher’s dedicated regulatory, quality, and partnership management teams. This support helps ensure that every stage of the development pipeline—from early research to clinical trials and commercialization—is addressed with tailored, platform-specific solutions.
- Support for cGMP Transition: Many early-stage therapy developers face significant barriers when moving to Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) standards. The center’s integrated approach provides practical guidance and hands-on support for making this critical transition, helping programs align with regulatory expectations while maintaining speed and flexibility.
A Growing Global Network of Collaboration Centers
The Carlsbad ATxCC is the latest addition to Thermo Fisher’s global network of collaboration centers focused on advanced therapies. Existing centers in Singapore and South Korea are already helping regional partners advance their therapies, and the company has announced plans to open another center in Philadelphia later this year. Together, these centers aim to support clinical and commercial-scale cGMP process development worldwide, fostering innovation and expanding global access to next-generation therapies.
Thermo Fisher’s Broader Mission
The opening of the Carlsbad center aligns with Thermo Fisher’s broader mission: to enable its customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer. The company plays a vital role in supporting scientific discovery, diagnostics, and the development of life-changing therapies across the healthcare landscape.
Thermo Fisher’s leadership in the cell and gene therapy space is backed by decades of experience and an unmatched combination of innovative technologies, services, and partnerships. From accelerating research to enabling clinical success, the company continues to provide scientists and healthcare professionals with the tools they need to drive breakthroughs and improve patient outcomes.
About Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue exceeding $40 billion. The company supports customers in making groundbreaking discoveries, solving complex analytical challenges, and developing therapies that improve patient health. Its portfolio includes trusted brands such as Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Unity Lab Services, Patheon, and PPD.
