S2N cells to go robotic

S2N and Miltenyi Biotech to work together to trial automated cell manufacture.

S2N is delighted to announce a trial of automated manufacture of our pioneering hair follicle-derived neuroprecursor cell technology using Miltenyi Biotec’s CliniMACS Prodigy cell manufacturing platform.

For future brain therapy applications, HFNs have many potential advantages over other cell types, including lack of pluripotent origins (safety), lack of genetic modification (safety), relatively low cost base (commercialization), reliable and uniform cell characteristics from patient-to-patient (regulatory) and strong neuronal potency (efficacy).

Looking over the horizon, roboticized and personalized manufacture will be needed to go prime-time, preferably in a “closed system”, meaning no contact with the external environment. This will not only bring down costs but maximize access to patients around the world. With such a system, any hospital with a neurosurgical service could theoretically produce their own HFN cells for treatment.

For this reason, S2N will be working closely with Miltenyi Biotec to trial the Prodigy platform. The Prodigy was a logical choice for automated and closed cell processing, already a market leader for the production of CAR-T cells, mesenchymal stem cells and neuronal differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells.

Matt Banfield, MD of Miltenyi Biotec Australia, is enthusiastic about the trial: “S2N’s therapeutic approach to Alzheimer’s is exciting and completely original and so we are proud to be supporting this new Australian biotech company”.

S2N will commence trial of the Prodigy platform at its Product Development Laboratory in November/December 2021.