FUTURES EXPO SERIES
MICROFLUIDIC
TECHNOLOGY FOR AFFORDABLE CELL AND GENE THERAPY
> Automated microfluidic bioreactor enables precise selection and genetic modification of patient cells , streamlining the process for advanced therapies .
> Creating innovative manufacturing methods to scale up production of plastic microfluidics , ideal for manipulating cell culture , enhancing efficiency in biotechnology and healthcare applications .
> Formation of a diverse team through partnerships with a major pharmaceutical and medical device company for the commercial development of the product .
Cost-effective microfluidic technology for affordable cell and gene therapy , addressing high manufacturing costs and healthcare reimbursement challenges
RESEARCH PROJECT
The biomedical engineering research team , led by Associate Professor Robert Nordon at UNSW , is pioneering microfluidic technologies aimed at lowering the manufacturing cost of cell and gene therapy .
Although revolutionary , therapies like CAR T cells are only available to a handful of patients due to the high costs of cell production . With the global market estimated at $ US 15 billion and growing at 17 % annually , accessibility remains a challenge . The high expenses stem from the need for personalised cellular products derived from individual patient cells .
The team ' s microfluidic technology focuses on miniaturising and automating the intricate manufacturing process , thereby reducing the reliance on large clean room facilities and highly skilled biopharmaceutical technologists . The research , funded by a $ 6 million grant with industry contributions ( CRC-P ), has successfully evaluated a proof-of-concept microfluidic bioreactor , marking a significant step toward more affordable and widespread cell and gene therapies .
46 •