PhD Proposal: Kelly Wei

Kelly Wei, PhD Student

Location: Technology Research Center 206 & WEBEX

Advisor

Dr. Govind Rao

Title: 

Implementing Process Monitoring and Control for G-Rex as ex vivo T-cell Expansion Vessel

Abstract

The biopharmaceutical industry observes a surge in new modalities and innovations in recent years, particularly cell therapy, which has shown significant promise in treating various diseases. However, the manufacturing process is still in the early stages of development. The lack of process knowledge and associated high costs are significant barriers to wider patient access. Autologous T-cell therapy involves the collection of the patient's T-cells, genetic modification, and ex-vivo expansion before being infused back into the patient. The Gas Permeable Rapid Expansion (G-Rex) system, which combines static culture with enhanced oxygen delivery, has been utilized for numerous T-cell therapy applications. Challenges associated with G-Rex remain, including the lack of characterization of the G-Rex vessel, the absence of process monitoring, and limited process understanding. To address these challenges, the proposed solutions include incorporating an optical oxygen sensor into the G-Rex vessel for monitoring, benchmarking the G-Rex culture system versus standard shake flask T-cell expansion, and investigating external sensing approaches. 

Agenda

• 1:55 pm: Meeting room will open
• 1:00 pm: 45-min presentation will be open to the public with Q&A.
• Followed by a closed session with the committee and PhD Student.