The Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT in Aachen and the University Hospital of Würzburg, together with eleven international partners, have developed an automated platform for the production of genetically modified CAR-T cells. This should enable the treatment of leukemia and lymphoma with patient-specific therapies directly at the point of treatment. The first production module, part of the EU project AIDPATH (Artificial Intelligence-driven, Decentralized Production for Advanced Therapies in the Hospital), was installed at the University Hospital of Würzburg and has successfully passed initial tests. Further tests will now follow to ensure the highest standards of precision, safety and efficiency.

CAR-T cell therapy is based on genetically modified T cells that are equipped with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) to specifically combat cancer cells. Until now, high costs, complex logistics and centralized production have limited availability. The AIDPATH platform enables decentralized, automated production directly in the hospital, which reduces production times and costs. Artificial intelligence (AI) integrates patient-specific data and biomarkers, optimizes processes and increases therapy efficiency. The platform uses digital twins for real-time monitoring and the cloud-based data infrastructure “LogiqSuite” from Ortec Logiqcare for continuous optimization.

The “COPE” software, developed by the Fraunhofer IPT, controls the system via a user-friendly interface, while the Facer bioreactor from AglarisCell enables precise measurements of glucose and lactate values. The project, funded by the EU under Horizon 2020 (funding code 101016909), brings together 13 partners from seven countries. It prioritizes ethical standards and data protection to ensure trust in AI-supported therapies.

Project consortium

• Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT, Aachen
• University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg
• AglarisCell SL, Tres Cantos
• Ortec Logiqcare B.V. (Optimization Technology B.V. subsidiary), Zoetermeer
• Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, Leipzig
• Panaxea BV, Amsterdam
• Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas, (FORTH), Patras
• IRIS Technology Solutions, Sociedad Limitada, Madrid
• Red Alert Labs, Maisons-Alfort
• Sartorius CellGenix GmbH, Freiburg
• Fundacio Clinic per a la recerca Biomedica, Barcelona
• SZTAKI Institute for Computer Science and Control, Budapest
• University College London, London

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