Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the field of cell and gene therapy, making it faster and more efficient. These cutting-edge treatments offer hope to patients with diseases like cancer, sickle cell disease, and autoimmune disorders. However, they have traditionally been expensive and time-consuming to develop. Now, AI is changing that by improving manufacturing processes and making these therapies more accessible.
One of the biggest challenges in cell and gene therapy production is ensuring consistency. AI can help streamline manufacturing, reducing variations and improving reliability.
“AI is helping to unlock the potential of cell and gene therapy,” says Dalip Sethi, Commercial Leader in Cell Therapy Technologies for North America at Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies. “One of the big challenges in cell and gene therapy manufacturing is consistent output. AI can potentially help with that.”
To function effectively, AI requires large amounts of high-quality data. However, because cell and gene therapy is still a relatively new field, vast datasets are not yet available. Precision in data collection is crucial.
“It’s all about quality data,” Sethi explains. “The more quality data you feed into it, the more effective AI will be. But it’s also about being selective with what data you need.”
Speeding Up Cell Culture Analysis
In the past, cell and gene therapy researchers had to wait weeks to get important lab results. For example, analyzing cell culture media could take up to six weeks. But now, AI-powered tools are drastically cutting that time.
A device called REBEL, developed by 908 Devices, can measure over 30 components in cell culture media in just 10 minutes—directly at the lab bench.
“Our devices provide access to critical information at the point of need,” says Boris Aleynik, Director of Strategy and Product Marketing at 908 Devices. “With REBEL, customers can analyze the composition of fresh media and monitor amino acid consumption throughout the cell culture. This data can serve as an input for machine learning and AI training.”
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Real-Time Monitoring Improves Production
AI is also improving real-time monitoring of cell and gene therapy manufacturing. Traditionally, scientists could only measure a few parameters, such as oxygen levels, pH, and temperature. Checking other crucial factors like glucose and lactate required manual testing, which took time and increased the risk of contamination.
A new AI-powered device called MAVEN, developed by 908 Devices, solves this problem. It allows automatic real-time monitoring of glucose and lactate levels without disrupting the process. The device connects directly to the bioreactor and takes measurements as often as every two minutes.
“With online data, operators can optimize and maintain tighter control over cell culture conditions,” Aleynik explains. “Currently, in Quantum Flex™ Cell Expansion Systems from Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, perfusion rates are not adjusted automatically, and this data is used solely for monitoring purposes. However, in the future, we may be able to implement feedback control, enabling automated process optimization.”
This real-time monitoring helps ensure that cells grow as quickly and healthily as possible, improving the efficiency of the entire process.
AI is Making Data Analysis Easier
AI is also simplifying data analysis in cell and gene therapy. Traditionally, analyzing large amounts of data required highly skilled statisticians. Now, AI models like large language models (LLMs) allow researchers to analyze data using simple natural language commands.
“It is possible to use natural language to set up experiments and analyze the data,” says Aleynik. “Data can be directly queried using natural language and then analyzed to provide results. This approach democratizes access to data analysis.”
By making data analysis more accessible, AI is helping researchers make faster and more informed decisions.
The Future of AI in Cell and Gene Therapy
While AI is making significant contributions, experts believe it will support scientists rather than replace them.
“You will always need that human input,” Sethi emphasizes. “Looking through the cell collection database, AI is going to be really useful for that.”
As AI continues to evolve, it could speed up the development of cell and gene therapies, bringing life-saving treatments to market more quickly and at a lower cost. This means more patients could benefit from these advanced therapies in the future.