Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies (Terumo BCT) is scaling up its offerings in Latin America to promote the adoption of automated manufacturing for cell and gene therapy companies in Brazil, Colombia and Mexico. The company aims to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the manufacturing process for regional firms.
Cell and gene therapies are rapidly advancing and have the potential to treat diseases and transform lives. Affordability and the ability to scale treatments in manufacturing are critical, making automated technologies an important factor in reaching more patients, particularly in Latin America where public healthcare systems dominate.
Commercial chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapies have provided hope to many patients with late-stage blood cancers. However, access has been limited due to slow manufacturing processes that are challenging to scale. Terumo BCT is focused on supporting the adoption of automation to help developers increase manufacturing capabilities.
Terumo BCT operates seven offices across Latin America, including locations in Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Chile, and has a major manufacturing facility in Costa Rica. “Across the cell and gene therapy sector, Terumo BCT is supporting the adoption of automation to help CGT companies scale their manufacturing,” said Eduardo Morato, Country Manager of Brazil, Terumo BCT. “Our ambition is that more patients will have access to these life-saving therapies because automated manufacturing helps streamline the process — leading to lower costs and the ability to manufacture more therapies.”
Terumo BCT’s products assist cell and gene therapy manufacturers throughout the development lifecycle. The technologies being introduced in Latin America include the Quantum Flex Cell Expansion System, which allows for automated cell expansion, and the FINIA Fill and Finish System, which prepares fluids for cryopreservation. Additionally, Terumo BCT offers a portfolio of welders and sealers to support manufacturing processes.
