Charles River Integrates Akron Bio’s CGMP Cytokines into Cell Therapy Flex Platform

• Charles River Laboratories has integrated Akron Bio’s Closed System Solutions (CSS) liquid cytokines into its Cell Therapy Flex Platform.

• The collaboration aims to streamline cell therapy manufacturing, enhance safety, and improve process robustness.

Charles River Laboratories International and Akron Bio, a supplier of advanced therapy materials, have announced a partnership to integrate Akron’s Closed System Solutions (CSS) line of liquid cytokines into Charles River’s Cell Therapy Flex Platform for process development. This collaboration is intended to simplify and enhance cell therapy manufacturing, particularly for CAR-T and TCR-T cell therapies.

Charles River’s Flex Platform offers an off-the-shelf solution for autologous CAR-T and TCR-T therapies, providing validated platforms and protocols to reduce costs and accelerate development timelines. The integration of Akron’s CGMP-grade liquid cytokines, including rHu IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, and IL-21, further enables closed system automation, minimising operator error and improving aseptic processing.

“These ready-to-use cytokines simplify manufacturing by decreasing labour requirements and improving process robustness, ultimately reducing risks to patients,” said Kerstin Dolph, Corporate Senior Vice President, Global Manufacturing at Charles River.

Akron’s proprietary liquid formulations maintain cytokine stability at 2-8°C and are available in single-use bags with weldable tubing, allowing for rapid and seamless integration into cell therapy workflows. The enhanced automation is designed to scale manufacturing while improving the safety and efficacy of cell therapy products.

“Akron Bio is honoured to support Charles River’s efforts to improve manufacturing efficiency and patient safety,” said David Smith, President and Chief Commercial Officer at Akron Bio. Alex Sargent, Director of Process Development at Charles River, highlighted the importance of CGMP-grade critical materials, noting, “With Akron Bio’s CSS line, we can provide customers CGMP-ready materials already on file with the FDA.”