The Biomedical Division of PHC Corporation has unveiled LiCellGrow, an advanced prototype of a cell expansion system specifically designed to optimize cell growth conditions and streamline the manufacturing process for cell and gene therapy products. This innovative system is part of PHC’s strategic response to the rapidly growing demand for cell and gene therapies, aiming to significantly enhance the efficiency, stability, and scalability of cell production.
LiCellGrow is a cutting-edge system currently under development with a focus on enabling pharmaceutical companies to continuously monitor metabolic changes in cells in real-time. This capability is crucial for maintaining optimal cell culture conditions, which is essential for the production of high-quality cells used in various cell and gene therapies. The system’s real-time monitoring and automatic adjustment features are designed to ensure that cells are grown under the most favorable conditions, which could greatly enhance the availability and accessibility of cell and gene therapy products by speeding up the manufacturing process.
The technology behind LiCellGrow integrates advanced sensor technology from PHC’s In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) division with the cell culture environment control technology from its Biomedical Division. This collaboration has resulted in a system that not only monitors but also controls the cell culture environment, ensuring stable and consistent cell quality. The continuous, in-line monitoring of key cell metabolites, such as glucose and lactate, allows for the automatic exchange of the culture medium to maintain optimal growth conditions without the need for repeated manual sampling. This innovation is expected to improve cell quality, increase production efficiency, and reduce costs by minimizing material loss during the cell culture process.
Enhancing Gene Therapy Production: Continuous Monitoring and Real-Time Adjustments with LiCellGrow
One of the most significant features of LiCellGrow is its ability to monitor cell culture conditions continuously and automatically. By providing real-time data on cell metabolism, the system allows for immediate adjustments to be made, ensuring that cells are always in the best possible environment for growth. This is particularly important in the field of cell and gene therapy, where the quality of the cells used can have a direct impact on the effectiveness of the treatment.
The system’s in-line monitoring technology provides researchers with a visual representation of changes in the cell culture environment, making it easier to track and respond to any fluctuations in cell status. This approach not only improves the overall quality of the cells produced but also increases the efficiency of the production process by reducing the need for manual interventions. Additionally, the use of single-use culture bags with in-line sensors promotes a closed-system cell culture, maintaining sterility and reducing the risk of contamination.
Global Launch and Market Integration
PHC Corporation’s Biomedical Division has ambitious plans for the global launch of LiCellGrow. The system is designed to be easily integrated into existing CO₂ incubators, allowing researchers to use their preferred equipment while benefiting from the advanced monitoring and control capabilities of LiCellGrow. This flexibility makes it an attractive option for laboratories and pharmaceutical companies looking to enhance their cell and gene therapy manufacturing processes without the need for significant infrastructure changes.
The planned global rollout of LiCellGrow underscores PHC’s commitment to advancing the field of cell and gene therapy. By accelerating the development and commercialization of this innovative cell expansion system, PHC aims to play a pivotal role in the evolution of manufacturing processes for these groundbreaking therapies.
LiCellGrow represents a significant advancement in the field of cell and gene therapy manufacturing. With its real-time monitoring capabilities, automatic adjustments, and integration with existing systems, LiCellGrow is poised to revolutionize the way pharmaceutical companies produce cells for therapeutic use. As PHC prepares for the global launch of this system, the future of cell and gene therapy manufacturing looks increasingly efficient, scalable, and effective.
Resource: Practical Patient Care, September 02, 2024

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