Corporate
News release
TopLAKEWOOD, COLO., U.S.A. – September 19, 2022 – Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies (Terumo BCT), a medical technology company, today announces the launch of its Quantum Flex Cell Expansion System, a bioreactor platform that supports process development through to commercial manufacturing for the cell and gene therapy (CGT) sector. Terumo BCT identified the industry's need for earlier automation to potentially limit additional and time-consuming steps such as bridging studies and technology transfers. Quantum Flex allows developers to complete their early process development on the same platform they will use for manufacturing, creating a cell culture environment where cells thrive. Early process development may lead to reduced cost and risk of unanticipated process deviations in later phases of clinical trials.
"Collaboration is important in meeting the needs of this fast-moving sector. We worked closely with four customers in our early adopter program to pilot the new Quantum Flex platform," said Delara Motlagh, General Manager, Cell Therapy Technologies. "We are building on a legacy of handling fragile cells with targeted investments and solutions designed for the CGT market. The cell culture environment matters so cells can not only grow but thrive. We developed Quantum Flex to provide a scalable, GMP-compliant platform that streamlines cell manufacturing and data management. We strive to deliver high-quality cells with fast cycle time to achieve timely delivery to market, and ultimately to patients."
Matthew Durdy, Chief Executive of the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, commented: "The development of cutting-edge manufacturing platforms is key to the continued success of the highly specialized CGT industry. The Quantum Flex platform represents another advancement which will help streamline processes and accelerate the manufacturing process, making it easier for developers to bring therapies to market. We are proud to have consulted with Terumo BCT in the development and design of this platform and look forward to seeing the benefit it may bring to CGT developers and ultimately patients."
Quantum Flex is an automated and functionally closed cell expansion system purpose-built to meet the needs of cell therapy developers throughout their commercialization journey. This platform has the flexibility to progress autologous and allogeneic applications, as well as viral vector and exosome production, across multiple bioreactor sizes, allowing for process efficiencies in batch size.
Terumo BCT's hollow-fiber perfusion technology provides a cell culture environment where cells gain continuous access to fresh media, waste removal and gas exchange, ensuring optimal conditions for expansion. The Quantum Flex platform also features advanced software to support cGMP compliance, with user authentication, batch records and fleet management features allowing for easy deployment of protocols to multiple systems.
Through collaboration with its customers, Terumo BCT continues to bring industry-specific technologies that deliver automation solutions to elevate customers' processes and to address the urgent needs of the cell therapy industry, from apheresis through to fill and finish.
About the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult
The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult is part of the Catapult Network. It was established by, and works in partnership with, Innovate UK.
The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult is an independent innovation and technology organisation committed to the advancement of cell and gene therapies with a vision of a thriving industry delivering life changing advanced therapies to the world. Its aim is to create powerful collaborations which overcome challenges to the advancement of the sector. With over 400 experts covering all aspects of advanced therapies, it applies its unique capabilities and assets, collaborates with academia, industry and healthcare providers to develop new technology and innovation. For more information, please visit ct.catapult.org.uk or visit https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/innovate-uk.
About Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies
Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies is a medical technology company. Our products, software and services enable customers to collect and prepare blood and cells to help treat challenging diseases and conditions. Our employees around the world believe in the potential of blood and cells to do even more for patients than they do today. This belief inspires our innovation and strengthens our collaboration with customers.
Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies' customers include blood centers, hospitals, therapeutic apheresis clinics, cell collection and processing organizations, researchers, plasma collection facilities and private medical practices. Our customers are based in over 130 countries across the globe. We have 750+ granted patents, with more than 150 additionally pending.
We have global headquarters in Lakewood, Colo., U.S.A., along with five regional headquarters, eight manufacturing sites and six innovation and development centers across the globe. Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies is a subsidiary of Terumo Corporation (TSE: 4543), a global leader in medical technology.
About Terumo
Terumo (TSE: 4543) is a global leader in medical technology and has been committed to “Contributing to Society through Healthcare” for 100 years. Based in Tokyo and operating globally, Terumo employs more than 30,000 associates worldwide to provide innovative medical solutions in more than 160 countries and regions. The company started as a Japanese thermometer manufacturer, and has been supporting healthcare ever since. Now, its extensive business portfolio ranges from vascular intervention and cardio-surgical solutions, blood transfusion and cell therapy technology, to medical products essential for daily clinical practice such as transfusion systems, diabetes care, and peritoneal dialysis treatments. Terumo will further strive to be of value to patients, medical professionals, and society at large.