TitleChallenges in Global Access to CAR-T cells: an Asian Perspective.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2024
AuthorsHwang WYk, Takahashi S, Choi B, Huang H, Kawamata S, Ng SChin, Gupta P, Hamidieh AAli, Koaykul C, Irawan C, Srivastava A
JournalBlood Cell Ther
Volume7
Issue1
Pagination10-13
Date Published2024 Feb 25
ISSN2432-7026
Abstract

The use of cell therapy for clinical applications has seen a dramatic increase in recent years, primarily in oncology, especially with the use of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies. However, there are some barriers to the widespread adoption of CAR-T cell therapies globally, primarily because of the high cost of manufacturing these cells and clinical infrastructure considerations. We reviewed the different strategies adopted across Asia to implement CAR-T cell therapy and found that these included patient assistance programs, close engagement with funders, cost-effectiveness studies, on-site manufacturing of CAR-T cells, and joint ventures between local partners and foreign pharmaceutical companies. Although on-site manufacturing can reduce the cost of genetic engineering and expansion, it does not address many other hidden costs and quality considerations. Future growth in large-scale regional manufacturing, facilitated by cutting-edge science and innovation, could reduce costs through economies of scale and facilitate the eagerly needed global access.

DOI10.31547/bct-2023-023
Alternate JournalBlood Cell Ther
PubMed ID38486827
PubMed Central IDPMC10937087