Novel automation technologies enable the decentralized manufacturing of highly standardized CAR-T cell products in academic GMP facilities experienced with the production of patient-individual cell therapies. Dr Janet Rossig discusses the benefits of academic cell manufacturing, namely supporting the informed dissemination of CAR-T cell therapy to patients who benefit from this modality. She argues that this decentralized manufacturing approach will feedback into further preclinical improvements, enable clinical researchers to define the optimum position of CAR T cell therapy within multimodal therapies, and help advance this approach to treat other cancers in both children and adults.

CAR T cell therapy is a major innovation in the treatment of B-cell malignancies. Prospective clinical evaluation within large, risk-stratified international multi-center studies is needed to establish its value beyond the salvage of refractory disease. To perform these trials, the academic community needs access to safe and effective uniform CAR T cell products across international borders. Novel automation technologies enable decentralized manufacturing of highly standardized CAR T cell products in academic GMP facilities experienced with the production of patient-individual cell therapies. Academic cell manufacturing in addition to products from pharmaceutical companies will allow the informed dissemination of CAR T cell therapy to patients who benefit from this modality. It will feed back into further preclinical improvements, enable clinical researchers to define the optimum position of CAR T cell therapy within multimodal therapies, and help advance this approach to treat other cancers in both children and adults.