In the last five years, more than 1,000 clinical trials have used cell and gene therapies. Furthermore, over 500 cell and gene therapy candidates are being actively researched (1). Indeed, the 2017 approval of two autologous CAR T therapies has clearly shown that for treatments like this to expand, the paramount logistical support has to evolve rapidly.
The cell and gene therapy sector, which could deliver life-changing treatments for some of the world’s most severe conditions and diseases, relies upon a logistical supply chain that must perform to high clinical standards.
Often, cell and gene therapies also require high harvesting of patient tissue that must then be transported to the manufacturing facility, with the resulting product returned to the patient’s clinicians. As the patient is an integral component of the supply chain, the logistical support provided must be robust and secure. Any breakdown or erosion in the efficiency of the supply chain could have massive consequences for patients.
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