PHC has partnered with CCRM to boost cell quality with advanced T-cell expansion solutions.
Takeaway Points
- PHC has partnered with CCRM.
- The aim is to boost cell quality with advanced T-cell expansion solutions.
- PHC will be allowed to analyze culture conditions using “LiCellGrow” to establish optimal culture processes for primary T-cells through joint research with CCRM.
PHC and CCRM Collaborate.
PHC Corporation said on Monday that it has signed a Master Collaboration Agreement with CCRM to work together on the development of primary T-cell expansion culture processes that will seek to accelerate the manufacturing of cell and gene therapy (CGT) products. This joint initiative will integrate “LiCellGrow,” PHC’s cell expansion system under development, with CCRM’s deep knowledge of regenerative medicine and biomanufacturing to establish new culture processes to improve cell culture efficiency and quality for CGTs.
Primary T-cells are used in process development and manufacturing for CGTs, such as in CAR-T cell therapy, PHC said.
Chikara Takauo, Director of PHC and Head of the Biomedical Division that leads the company’s Life Science business, said, “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.”
Michael May, President and CEO of CCRM, commented, “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.”
LiCellGrow Technology
The company explained that building on the technology, it is also developing “LiCellGrow,” a cell expansion system designed to exchange media automatically based on the metabolic state of the cells and to maintain the culture environment in an optimal state.
PHC will be allowed to analyze culture conditions using “LiCellGrow” to establish optimal culture processes for primary T-cells, through joint research with CCRM, the report stated.
About the Biomedical Division of PHC Corporation
Established in 1969, PHC Corporation is a Japanese subsidiary of PHC Holdings Corporation (TSE 6523), a global healthcare company that develops, manufactures, sells, and services solutions across diabetes management, healthcare solutions, diagnostics and life sciences. The Biomedical Division supports the life sciences industry helping researchers and healthcare providers in around 110 countries and regions through its PHCbi-branded laboratory and equipment and services including CO2 incubators and ultra-low temperature freezers. www.phchd.com/global/phc
About PHC Holdings Corporation (PHC Group)
PHC Holdings Corporation (TSE 6523) is a global healthcare company with a mission of contributing to the health of society through healthcare solutions that have a positive impact and improve the lives of people. Its subsidiaries (referred to collectively as PHC Group) include PHC Corporation, Ascensia Diabetes Care, Epredia, LSI Medience Corporation, Wemex and Mediford. Together, these companies develop, manufacture, sell and service solutions across diabetes management, healthcare solutions, diagnostics and life sciences. PHC Group’s consolidated net sales in FY2023 were JPY 353.9 billion with global distribution of products and services in more than 125 countries. www.phchd.com/global
About CCRM and OmniaBio
CCRM is a global, public-private partnership headquartered in Canada. It has received funding from the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, and leading academic and industry partners. CCRM supports the development of regenerative medicines and associated enabling technologies, with a specific focus on cell and gene therapy. A network of researchers, leading companies, investors, and entrepreneurs, CCRM accelerates the translation of scientific discovery into new companies and marketable products for patients with specialized teams, dedicated funding, and unique infrastructure. In 2022, CCRM established OmniaBio Inc., a commercial-stage CDMO for manufacturing cell and gene therapies. CCRM is hosted by the University of Toronto. Visit us at ccrm.ca.
