In a significant move for the advanced therapeutics sector, Bracco Imaging, Limula, and the University of Fribourg (Switzerland) have announced a collaborative R&D project. Funded by the Swiss Innovation Agency Innosuisse, this industry-academia alliance seeks to overcome key bottlenecks in the manufacturing of cell and gene therapies (CGTs).
The complex and costly production process for these therapies has limited widespread clinical adoption. The new project directly addresses this challenge by reimagining critical manufacturing steps.
The core of the collaboration is the combination of two innovative technologies. Bracco brings its established lipid-based microbubble technology, clinically used in medical imaging for over 20 years. Limula contributes its automated cell processing platform.
The novel approach will use these microbubbles as a gentler alternative to conventional magnetic beads for cell selection and activation. The microbubbles bind to target cells, altering their buoyancy and allowing them to be separated naturally, without the harsh magnetic forces typically used.
Anticipated Benefits for Patients and Manufacturers
The partnership anticipates several significant advantages from this integrated system. A key benefit is the use of “traceless reagents,” meaning the microbubbles can be easily and completely removed from the final cell product. This simplifies the stringent quality control required for these complex therapies.
Furthermore, the gentle manipulation of cells is expected to lead to better product yields, higher purity, and ultimately, improved clinical outcomes for patients. By streamlining and automating the process, the alliance also aims to accelerate patient access to more affordable therapies.
The project leverages complementary expertise. Prof. Nicola Vannini and his team at the University of Fribourg will provide deep analysis of the cell products, evaluating how the gentler process impacts T-cell physiology and metabolic fitness—critical factors for treatment success.
Dr. Thierry Bettinger of Bracco highlighted the synergy, stating the integration offers “a compelling approach to improved cell manufacturing.” Dr. Luc Henry, CEO of Limula, emphasized the “multidisciplinary approach to innovation” needed to advance the field.
This public-private partnership underscores a growing trend in biotechnology, where combining established pharmaceutical expertise with agile tech platforms and academic research can accelerate the development of next-generation healthcare solutions. Last week, a UK initiative aimed to transform used nuclear materials into cutting-edge cancer treatments was announced. Led by the United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL) and Medicines Discovery Catapult (MDC), the initiative positions Britain to become a global leader in a rapidly expanding area of cancer innovation.
