Xcell Biosciences (Xcellbio), an instrumentation company that focuses on cell and gene therapy (CGT) applications, is teaming up Thermo Fisher Scientific, a supplier of analytical instruments, to further research surrounding regulatory T cells (Tregs) and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs).1
Leveraging complementary strengths to target autoimmune and solid tumor indications
Although major headway continues to be made in the cell therapy area—specifically Chimeric Antigen Receptor T (CAR-T) cells—the purpose of this partnership is to help further develop the Treg and TIL cell therapies that are intended to fight autoimmune and solid tumor diseases, especially during a time when not only are solid tumors responsible for nearly 90% of adult cancers, but worldwide prevalence of autoimmune diseases have continued to increase.
Joining forces to expand the frontiers of CGT
Specifically, the parties’ joint research effort is going to prioritize the development of new ways to boost the effectiveness of Tregs and TILs when it comes to their therapeutic applications. From a patient access perspective, the agreement seeks to streamline workflows and enhance the scalability and consistency of cell therapy manufacturing, helping to make these vital treatments more widely available.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Thermo Fisher Scientific on groundbreaking research opportunities. By leveraging our AVATAR cell therapy manufacturing platform, we aim to push the boundaries of what is possible in cell and gene therapy. This partnership will enable us to develop more effective treatments for patients in need,” commented Shannon Eaker, chief technology officer at Xcell Biosciences.
Key Takeaways
- Xcellbio and Thermo Fisher Scientific have formed a research collaboration to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) for treating autoimmune diseases and solid tumors.
- The partnership aims to improve manufacturing workflows using Thermo Fisher’s automated, closed-system platforms to enable more scalable and consistent cell therapy production.
- Thermo Fisher’s new Advanced Therapies Collaboration Center in Carlsbad, CA, will also provide biotech and biopharma companies with end-to-end support to accelerate cell therapy development and transition to cGMP manufacturing.
Much of Thermo Fisher’s workflow has gone toward assisting with automation and manufacturing efforts by offering the material sand tools necessary to make those efforts possible.
“Xcellbio's interest in utilizing our Gibco CTS Detachable Dynabeads platform within Thermo Fisher Scientific’s modular, closed and automated cell therapy manufacturing workflow is a testament to the strength of our technologies,” said Andy Campbell, senior director of research and development at Thermo Fisher Scientific. “In combination with our full portfolio, including the Gibco CTS DynaCellect Magnetic Separation System and the Gibco CTS Rotea Counterflow Centrifugation System, we are confident that this collaboration will significantly shorten and enhance the manufacturing workflow for cell therapies in this space, ultimately helping our customers make the world a healthier place.”
Thermo Fisher’s advanced therapies center aims to accelerate commercialization
These efforts become more apparent this past April when Thermo opened its Advanced Therapies Collaboration Center (ATxCC) in Carlsbad, CA.2 The plant is intended to speed up both the development and commercialization of cell therapies, in orcer to both grow the life sciences space and improve patient outcomes.
With this new plant, developers in the cell therapy space—including in biotech and biopharma—will be able to use Thermo Fisher’s product and tech experience for those same aforementioned purposes, which are expected to help design end-to-end manufacturing workflows. Assistance will come via resources and support in transitioning to current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) manufacturing.
"Our new Advanced Therapies Collaboration Center represents a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to deliver solutions that address critical challenges in cell therapy development,” commented Betty Woo, Thermo Fisher’s vice president of cell, gene, and advanced therapies. “By enabling access to our expertise and broad range of instrumentation, reagents, lab equipment and analytical solutions, we aim to help our customers overcome manufacturing hurdles and accelerate their path to commercialization. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the center is poised to play a pivotal role in helping to advance cell therapies, ultimately improving patient lives."
References
1. Xcell Biosciences Announces Joint Research Collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific to Advance the Next Generation of Cell Therapies. Business Wire. June 24, 2025. Accessed June 25, 2025. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250624938621/en/Xcell-Biosciences-Announces-Joint-Research-Collaboration-with-Thermo-Fisher-Scientific-to-Advance-the-Next-Generation-of-Cell-Therapies
2. Saraceno N. Thermo Fisher Scientific Unveils Advanced Therapies Collaboration Center. Pharmaceutical Commerce. April 21, 2025. Accessed June 25, 2025. https://www.pharmaceuticalcommerce.com/view/thermo-fisher-scientific-unveils-advanced-therapies-collaboration-center
