A common challenge in the emerging cell and advanced therapies industry is manual production methods that don’t lend themselves to commercial-scale manufacturing as clinical trials progress. Recognizing this risk, clinical-stage company Argos Therapeutics was looking to commercialize an autologous Dendritic cell therapy (Arcelis), an immunotherapeutic approach for treating and preventing cancers and autoimmune diseases. The company approached Invetech during Phase II clinical trials to commence development of scaled-out manufacturing solutions.
In briefing Invetech, two key challenges were identified for focus. The therapy needed to be produced consistently and repeatedly at a lower cost, and their manual benchtop process was required to be closed in a way that was suited to automation and scale-out, yet supported effective biochemistry. Invetech was engaged to develop a complete manufacturing system that would become the backbone of Argos’ entire purpose-built manufacturing facility plans.
The value Invetech delivered was comprehensive, including technology innovation, novel automation solutions, and substantial IP in the cell therapy manufacturing automation domain.
The Arcelis therapy has not yet been introduced to the market, but the technology developed will be adapted by Argos for developing other therapies. The legacy of the systems and thinking as developed by our partnership with Argos, and our approach to overcoming their manufacturing challenges, will have an ongoing impact on the cell therapy manufacturing systems of the future.