Roundtable 6: How can Deeptech Improve Cell-therapy Precision, Turnaround Time and Yield?

Deep tech – a term used to describe a stack of semiconductor technologies based on fundamentally new science or engineering challenges – has impacted how we work and live. In genomics, for instance, deep-tech innovations are responsible for reducing the cost of sequencing a human genome from a million to a few hundred – and soon a few tens of dollars. Could similar leaps forward be achieved in advanced therapies? This is the question imec is exploring with the cell and gene therapies (CGT) community.  

At Advanced Therapies Week in January 2023, imec kicked off the discussion with major stakeholders from the life sciences industry, instrumentation companies, investors, and consulting firms. The discussion resulted in key takeaways that you can explore in this report. 

A second roundtable, which will be held on the 7^th of September in Lisbon during Advanced Therapies Week Europe, will delve deeper into topics such as: 

• How can we shed light on the ‘black boxes’ of CGT bioreactors and find out what is actually happening on a molecular and cellular level?
• Can we afford to phase out potency models in the age of phenotyping?
• Will more precise transfection and multi-marker cell selection make it easier to hit dosing sweet spots?
• How can we solve the lack of funding that keeps disruptive CGT therapies from reaching their potential?

Moderated by: Peter Peumans, Chief Technology Officer, Health, imec