CloseClick to disable loading overlay
Skip to content
  • Table of Contents
    • Messages from the President and the CEO
    • Leadership
    • Our Strategic Focus
    • Clinical Translation
    • Truly Global
    • Our Meetings
    • Stakeholder Education
    • ISCT Champions
    • Peer-Reviewed Publishing
    • Financial Sustainability
    • Get Involved
  • Connect With Us
    • Visit ISCT Global
    • Contact ISCT
  • View Past Reports
    • ISCT 2020 Annual Report
    • ISCT 2019 Annual Report
    • ISCT 2018 Annual Report
Menu
  • Table of Contents
    • Messages from the President and the CEO
    • Leadership
    • Our Strategic Focus
    • Clinical Translation
    • Truly Global
    • Our Meetings
    • Stakeholder Education
    • ISCT Champions
    • Peer-Reviewed Publishing
    • Financial Sustainability
    • Get Involved
  • Connect With Us
    • Visit ISCT Global
    • Contact ISCT
  • View Past Reports
    • ISCT 2020 Annual Report
    • ISCT 2019 Annual Report
    • ISCT 2018 Annual Report
Search
Close

Technologist Winner

  1. Home>
  2. Technologist Winner
Read more about the article Kyung-Phil Kim

Kyung-Phil Kim

  • Post author:admin
  • Post published:April 12, 2019
  • Post category:Technologist Winner

Abstract: Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Administered After Radiotherapy and Surgery in a Soft Tissue Sarcoma Mouse Xenograft Model Do Not Promote Local Recurrence or Metastasis

Continue ReadingKyung-Phil Kim
Read more about the article Holly Anderson

Holly Anderson

  • Post author:admin
  • Post published:April 12, 2019
  • Post category:Technologist Winner

Abstract: Safety Considerations in the Generation of Clinical Grade Autologous IPS Cell Lines

Continue ReadingHolly Anderson
Read more about the article Alexander Johnston

Alexander Johnston

  • Post author:admin
  • Post published:April 12, 2019
  • Post category:Technologist Winner

Abstract: First Trimester Human Umbilical Cord Perivascular Cells Expanded With CGMP Compliant Human Platelet Outperform Conventional MSC Sources As Regenerative Therapy in a Rat Model

Continue ReadingAlexander Johnston

Recent Posts

  • JACIE 20th Anniversary Recognition Award
  • Nathalie Cools
  • Alice Davies
  • Sabiha Hacibekiroglu
  • Miriel Ho

Recent Comments

    Archives

    • April 2019

    Categories

    • Abstract Award
    • Technologist Winner
    • Young Investigator Winner

    Meta

    • Log in
    • Entries feed
    • Comments feed
    • WordPress.org

    Copyright 2020 - ISCT

    Celebrating our Army of Volunteer Champions

    ISCT acknowledges the service of its members, volunteering expertise, time, and energy to the vast task of advancing the field of cell and gene therapies.
    From mentoring the next generation to publishing key standards and fostering relationships across the sector, ISCT members set the gold standard. 

    Thank you for being part of the ISCT community

    We acknowledge these Society leaders who have completed terms of service in a formal position in 2021.
    Your hard work and dedication have continually pushed the society to new heights, and we cannot wait to connect again soon:

    Board of Directors

    John Rasko, AO, MBBS, PhD, FRCPA, FRACP, FAHMS
    Chair, Strategic Advisory Council (Immediate Past President)
    June 2020 – June 2022
    Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
    Sydney, Australia 

    Lizette Caballero, BS, MT(ASCP)
    Global Secretary
    June 2019 – June 2022
    UCSF Blood and Marrow Transplant Lab
    San Francisco, CA, United States

    Rajiv Khanna, PhD AO
    Australia & New Zealand, Regional Vice-President
    June 2020 – June 2022
    QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute
    Brisbane, Australia

    Mitchell Cairo, MD
    North America, Regional Vice-President
    June 2020 – June 2022
    New York Medical College
    New York, NY, United States

    Karen Nichols, Esq.
    Chief Regulatory Officer
    March 2016 – June 2022
    Vertex Pharmaceuticals
    Cambridge, MA, United States

    Vicki Antonenas, BSc, MSc
    Elected Member Technologist
    June 2020 – June 2022
    Sydney Cellular Therapies Laboratory,
    Westmead Hospital
    Australia

    Scientific Committees

    Patrick Hanley, PhD
    Co-Chair Immuno-Gene
    Therapy Committee
    Children’s National Hospital
    United States

    Giuseppe Orlando, MD, PhD
    Co-Chair Gastrointestinal Committee
    Wake Forest University
    United States

     

    Rachele Ciccocioppo, MD
    Co-Chair Gastrointestinal Committee
    University of Verona
    Italy

    George Muschler, MD
    Co-Chair Orthopedic & Musculoskeletal Therapies
    Cleveland Clinic
    United States

     

    Christian Jorgensen, MD, PhD
    Co-Chair Orthopedic & Musculoskeletal Therapies
    University Hospital Lapeyronie
    France

     

     

    Sarah Chan, Ma PhD
    ECGT Committee
    University of Edinburgh
    United Kingdom

    Andrew Hoffman, DVM, DVSc
    Exosomes Committee
    University of Pennsylvania
    United States

    Commercialization Committee


    John Fink, MBA
    Co-Chair Process Development and Manufacturing Committee
    PerkinElmer, Inc.
    United States

    Early Stage Professionals Committee

    Emily Hopewell, PhD
    Indiana University School of Medicine
    United States

    Aaron Tze Kai Tan
    Stanford University
    United States

    Lizbeth Diaz Polo, MD
    University of San Martin de Porres
    Spain

    Jordan Greenberg, PhD
    Shoreline Biosciences
    United States

     

    Shabnum Patel, PhD
    CARGO Therapeutics
    United States

    Telegraft Editorial Board


    Nancy H. Collins, PhD

    University of Toledo
    Toledo, OH, United States


    Satyam Arora, MD

    Super Speciality Paediatric Hospital and Post Graduate Teaching Institute
    India

    Regulatory and Quality Operations

    Lab Practices Committee
    Vicki Antonenas, BSc, MSc

    Westmead Hospital
    Australia

    Europe Legal & Regulatory Affairs Committee
    Paula Salmikangas, PhD
    NDA Group
    Finland

    Advancing Translational Science

    Building Consensus and Community

    Motivated to stay true to the essence of ISCT as a truly global translation-focused community of experts, ISCT made major strategic progress in 2022, with significant investments in community development, workforce development and addressing ethical issues. Working in collaboration with ISCT leadership, the Society enhanced the value of its membership value across all disciplines for leaders and newcomers alike as well as developed key resources and drove consensus to combat the critical issues facing the wider CGT sector. As the ISCT community continues to grow, the Society is perfectly positioned to empower the field to drive the translation of research into safe, effective and accessible treatments with long-lasting impact.

     

    A New Translational Pathway Program for ISCT 2022 San Francisco

    Excited to welcome delegates to the first in-person ISCT meeting post Pandemic, ISCT was determined to make a significant impact with ISCT 2022 San Francisco. Welcoming 1,646 delegates from across the globe, ISCT 2022 was the largest ISCT Annual Meeting to date and was proud to serve as a key event reconnecting the wider CGT community. A standout feature of the meeting was the redesign of the ISCT Scientific program, a strategic initiative inspired to better cater to the interests of all delegates, across the full range of CGT development and deployment.

    The Translational Pathway Program, reflects ISCT’s role in driving the translation of scientific research into safe and effective therapies that can be deployed to patients. The new program was designed to mirror the therapeutic development process and integrated perspectives across the CGT sector to address key topics at all stages of translation.

    As a counter-part to the Translational Pathway Program, ISCT also launched the Roundtable Program at ISCT 2022. Unique in the cell and gene therapy sector, this program provides a platform for delegates to debate and collaboratively develop consensus and solutions to practical problems and barriers in the field. Recognizing the breadth and depth in expertise of Annual Meeting delegates, ISCT developed this unique platform to connect professionals from across the globe who share the same goals and encounter the same difficulties.

    “ISCT broadened its focus, through a whole series of roundtables, to cover wider challenges experienced across the industry, from generating return on investment to managing the supply chain. ISCT will continue to monitor the efficacy of solutions generated at the meeting and continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure an increasing number of patients are able to benefit from cell and gene therapies.”

    Bruce Levine, PhD
    University Of Pennsylvania
    United States

    Taking a Stand on Access and Ethics

    The rapid growth of the sector has introduced new ethical concerns associated with the development, regulatory authorization, and distribution of cell and gene therapies. Recognizing this, ISCT has worked to develop internal infrastructure so that the Society remains a leading voice on critical and topical ethical issues.

    Undertaking a broader remit to identify these key ethical issues, ISCT has introduced the Committee on the Ethics of Cell and Gene Therapy (ECGT). Formally the ISCT Presidential Task Force on the Use of Unproven and/or Unethical Cell and Gene Therapies, this new multidisciplinary committee regroups key stakeholder perspectives to promote the ethical development of the sector.   

    To further refine the Society’s position on ethical issues, ISCT formed the ISCT Expanded Access Working Group. The overarching objective of the Working Group is to further refine its position on ethical issues arising from the use, and potential misuse, of the expanded access pathway, culminating in the development of a code of ethics.

    Under the guidance of the new ECGT committee, ISCT is now better positioned to give informed consensus on ethical issues. In 2022, following the 2022 US federal court ruling in favor of California Stem Cell Treatment Center, Inc., and Cell Surgical Network Corporation, ISCT published a press release highlighting the dangers of unproven cell therapies to patient safety.

    Read the Press Release Here

    Enhanced Industry Membership Program

    Network. Problem Solve. Lead.

    With Industry members representing a vital part of ISCT DNA, in 2022, ISCT worked to adapt the industry membership program to better meet the needs of our growing community. In collaboration with ISCT Industry leadership, ISCT worked to tailor its Committees using feedback from our members to create a program that supports those who are at the forefront of driving the translation of cell and gene therapies.

    At its core, ISCT Industry Membership provides the ability to network, discuss current challenges in Cell and Gene Therapy and examine potential solutions with global experts from a variety of disciplines. As part of the restructure, ISCT has adapted the membership program to two levels, Patron and Associate, both of which offer access to monthly strategic discussion forums, networking events, and the opportunity to contribute to the development of sector advancing educational resources.

    The newly enhanced program also welcomed The Asia Pacific Regional Commercialization Committee, created to foster strong industry relationships in the region.

    The launch of the new membership program marks a significant milestone for ISCT, with a record number of new members joining in 2022.  ISCT Industry leadership looks forward to continuing to grow the ISCT global industry community and support those working to expand the development and delivery of safe and effective cell and gene therapies for patients. 

    Become An Industry Member Today

    Chair ISCT Industry Committee


    Anthony Ting,
    PhD
    BRL C&GT Consulting
    United States

    Countries Represented in the ISCT Industry Community

    A Breakout Year for Cytotherapy®

    ISCT continues to advance scientific translation through the expansion and improvement of its peer-reviewed scientific journal, Cytotherapy. Under the close collaboration of its editorial board, with support from ISCT Head Office and our publishers at Elsevier, the Journal has attained a record-breaking impact factor at 6.196.

    In 2022, Cytotherapy published 132 articles including, reviews, short repots, correspondence and editorials. The Journal received a record number of downloads and citations solidifying its position as the first choice in cell and gene therapy translation publishing.

    Donald Phinney, PhD
    Senior Editor
    United States

    Patrick Hanley, PhD
    Commissioning Editor
    United States

    Top Cited Articles of 2022

    Leukapheresis guidance and best practices for optimal chimeric antigen receptor T-cell manufacturing

    Need for aligning the definition and reporting of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) in immuno-oncology clinical trials

    Imaging flow cytometry challenges the usefulness of classically used extracellular vesicle labeling dyes and qualifies the novel dye Exoria for the labeling of mesenchymal stromal cell–extracellular vesicle preparations

    Top Downloaded Articles of 2022

    Critical considerations for the development of potency tests for therapeutic applications of mesenchymal stromal cell-derived small extracellular vesicles

    Anti-EGFR chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells in metastatic pancreatic carcinoma: A phase I clinical trial

    The long road to the first FDA-approved gene therapy: chimeric antigen receptor T cells targeting CD19

    View Featured Images from the ISCT Insta-Your-Cells Photo Challenge

    Take a look at the stunning submissions selected to be featured on the front cover of Cytotherapy® in 2022. 

     

    January 2022

    Philippe Cohen (France)

    Image description: 

    3D stem cell colony, iPS Epiblastoid cultured inside core-shell hydrogel capsule. Blue DAPI.

    February 2022

    Gina Kusuma (Australia)

    Image description:
    Immunofluorescence image of human amniotic epithelial cells in monolayer culture and stained with actin (red), vinculin (green) and DAPI (blue)

    March 2022

    Giulia Golinelli (Italy)

    Image description: 
    Day one of spheroid-based coculture between sarcoma cells and TRAIL-expressing MSCs.

    April 2022

    Philippe Cohen (France)

    Image Description:

    Biomimetic 3D stem cell colonies inside Core-Shell alginate capsules. C-STEM Treefrog Therapeutics.

    May 2022

    Philippe Cohen (France)

    Image Description:
    Lumenized 3D pluripotent stem cell colony (epiblastoid) cultivated in hollow capsule in bioreactor (C-StemTM). Nucleus dapi actin staining (phalloidin), equatorial sections & color-coded projections, 200µm diameter.

    June 2022

    Andrés Caicedo (Ecuador)

    Image Description:
    The moment in which an EV from mouse-MSC carrying mitochondria is shared among mouse-MSC differentially labelled (MitoRed and MitoGreen). The EV (MTR) is interacting with the MSC (MTR) membrane with the possibility of being internalized. 20X zoomed image.

    July 2022

    Miriel Ho (Canada)

    Image Description:Cardiomyocytes differentiated from human iPS cells displaying cardiac troponin T (red), sarcomeric alpha-actinin (green) and counterstained with DAPI (blue).

    August 2022

    Inken Kelch (New Zealand)

    Image Description:

    Human keratinocytes in co-culture with melanocytes.

     

    September 2022

    Mirabelle Ho (Canada)

    Image Description:
    Flight of Fancy: iPSC differentiated Cardiomyocyte. Progenitors marked by NKX2.5 (red) become less apparent even as characteristic Cardic Troponin T observed in green persists. Nuclei counterstained with Dapi (blue).

    October 2022

    Maria Dolores Carmona (Spain)

    Image Description:
    Ultrastructure of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cell under transmission electron microscopy in the third passage of culture (Jeol Jem 1400 transmission electron microscope): Cytoplasm, nucleus and exosomes ultrastructural features.

    November 2022

    Shanti Sibuea (Indonesia)

    Image Description:
    Mature midbrain dopaminergic neuron expressing eGFP under the control of LMX1A and immunolabelled for nucleus (DAPI), TH (red)

    December 2022

    Marc-Antoine Da-Veiga (Belgium)

    Image Description:
     Expression of the neuronal marker Beta III tubulin (Orange), in pediatric patient-derived stem-like cell line of glioblastoma (SF188) after 12 days of cultures in neuronal differentiation medium. Nucleus (DAPI, turquoise), obj*40 epifluoresent.

    Updates From Our Regional Leaders

    As a truly global organization, ISCT leverages a regional model to deploy solutions to global issues on a regional level. Spearheaded by passionate volunteer leadership, who understand the needs and concerns unique to each region, ISCT addresses the emergent needs of CGT professionals across the globe. With partnerships including regional partner organizations, regulatory bodies, and stakeholder communities, each of the ISCT regional committees drives the advancement of translational science at a high global standard.

    Our committees work autonomously to deliver key scientific meetings, stimulate membership growth, and develop regional professional networks. Through 2022, our committees worked hard to develop the groundwork for new committees with a special focus on early-stage professionals and facilitated several major events that have continued to build consensus across the sector. 

    Here are some of the highlights from our regional committees this year:

    New Committees Around the Globe 

    In 2022, to further the society’s commitment to workforce development, ISCT formed three new regional early-stage professionals subcommittees in Asia, Australia and New Zealand and South-Central America. Supported by the respective regional executive committee, these subcommittees were created to promote regional and global engagement and networking for early-stage professionals providing them with resources and career guidance to ensure their success.

    Championed by regional volunteers, the Asia, Australia and New Zealand and South-Central America subcommittees are in full swing developing key initiatives to drive ESP membership and engagement in each region. ISCT is currently working on establishing ESP subcommittees in both North America and Europe for 2023.

    Key Regional Initiatives in 2022

    ISCT regional committees deliver high-quality programmes globally, with autonomous planning supported by the society’s global network and resources. As restrictions eased post-pandemic, regional executive committees were excited to return to in-person meetings and reconnect face-to-face with the wider ISCT community.

    With a reignited vigour to connect cell and gene therapy professionals globally, 2022 was a particularly active year for regional events. ISCT regional committees partnered and collaborated with several external groups and organizations as well connecting with other ISCT committees.

    In August, the Australia & New Zealand Regional Executive Committee hosted its first in-person regional meeting post-pandemic. The highly anticipated event welcomed 137 delegates to Brisbane, Australia, and featured workshops and panel discussions with particular attention to quality, regulatory affairs, education, training, commercialization and clinical practice.

    Meanwhile, in North America, the leadership team hosted a virtual interactive member-focused regional town hall meeting in October to connect and engage with members in the region. The meeting facilitated open discussions focused on workforce development and retention challenges, including both commercial and academic perspectives.

    To facilitate cross-regional collaboration, The North America and South & Central America Regional Executive Committees partnered to present a two-part webinar series. The first installment discussed the clinical manufacturing of CAR T Cells, and the second explored the mechanism, safety and efficacy of mRNA-based cancer vaccines for oncological therapy. The collaborative series brought together subject matter experts and key opinion leaders from across both regions and received over 550 registrants from across the globe.

    ESP Members at Australia & New Zealand Regional Meeting

    Strategic Regional Partnerships

    Virtual Scientific Meeting with the Biotherapeutics
    Association of Australasia (BAA)

    In Australia & New Zealand, ISCT leaders held a joint virtual scientific meeting with the Biotherapeutics Association of Australasia (BAA) to address developments in cell and gene therapies. The two-day event, held in February 2022, hosted scientific presentations featuring both international and regional speakers to discuss the latest developments in the clinical and commercial delivery of cell and gene therapies and the latest regulatory updates relevant to the region.

    ISCT Joint Session the International Congress of Blood and
    Marrow Transplantation (ICBMT)

    Leaders in Asia were delighted to continue its partnership with the Korean Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation (KSBMT) with a joint session on gene editing and gene therapy at the International Congress of Blood and Marrow Transplantation (ICBMT), the 27th Annual congress of KSBMT in September. The long-standing partnership between ISCT and KSBMT is a key partnership for the region. It fosters international cooperation in education and research in the field of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cell & gene therapy.

    ISCT Joint Session at the 44th Japanese Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Annual Meeting

    In May, the ISCT Asia Regional Executive Committee partnered with the Japanese Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (JSTCT 2022) to host a joint session on ‘Strategies to Improve Classical CBT by Introducing New Cellular Therapies’. The session was chaired by Satoshi Takahashi, MD, PhD, Past ISCT Asia Regional Vice-President, JSTCT 2022 President and included a remote presentation from William YK Hwang, MBBS, MMed, FRCP, FAMS, ISCT Asia Regional Vice-President Elect.

    ISCT Sessions the XII Congress of ABTCel Scientific Meeting

    In October, the South and Central America Executive Committee again partnered with the Brazilian Association of Cellular and Gene Therapy (ABTCel-Gen) for the XII Congress of ABTCel – Gen in Rio de Janeiro. ISCT invited speakers participated both in-person and virtually, leading discussions on topics such as manuscript writing, cell therapy and therapies for cancer through sessions and interactive workshops. Alongside event participation, The South and Central America regional leaders were proud to sponsor the top-scoring abstract awards and provide a special abstract supplement showcasing all accepted abstracts from the meeting publication in Cytotherapy, the official journal of ISCT.

    Our Regional Leaders
    Click below to access or join our communities

    Asia Region

    Click to Access or Join the Asia Regional Community

    Australia & New Zealand Region

    Click to Access or Join the Australia & New Zealand Regional Community

    Europe Region

    Click to Access or Join the Europe Regional Community

    North America Region

    Click to Access or Join the North America Regional Community

    South & Central America Region

    Click to Access or Join the South & Central America Regional Community

    The Telegraft Editorial Board

    Janet Macpherson, PhD
    Australia

    C. Russell Y. Cruz, MD, PhD 
    USA 

    Available to ISCT members, Telegraft is the go-to resource to keep up to date with the latest Society activities and important developments in cell and gene therapy.

    2022 brought exciting updates for Telegraft, with the launch of the ‘Telegraft Hub,’ the new online home for ISCT news and community. Alongside monthly e-newsletters, ISCT members now have access to the online interactive hub, allowing them to connect with peers and access key updates and curated content.

    The Telegraft Editorial Board works to engage and connect the whole ISCT community across academia, science, regulation and commercial by sharing insightful discussions and up-to-date information on critical issues affecting the field of cellular therapy.

    Access the Telegraft Archives
    Access the Telegraft Hub

    Michele Sugrue, MT
    USA

    Wouter Van’t Hof, PhD
    USA

    Joaquim Vives, PhD
    Portugal

    Rounak Dubey, MBBS,  MD
    India

    Shyam Bhakta, MD, MBA
    India

    Ashley Krull, BSc, PhD
    USA

    Cytotherapy®, the official journal for the International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy (ISCT), publishes novel and innovative results from high quality scientific and clinical studies in the fields of cell and gene therapy. In 2021, Cytotherapy has continued to successfully advance and expand the field of cell and gene therapy for clinical researchers, oncologists, hematologists, physicians, and regulatory experts alike. The Journal had a 6.196 impact factor for 2022, a new record from which the editorial board hopes to grow further.

    You can read issues of Cytotherapy® here.
    Follow Cytotherapy® on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest news and publications.

    Introducing New Cytotherapy Assistant Editor: Dr. Rachel Burga

    In January 2022, Dr. Rachel Burga was appointed as the new assistant editor for Cytotherapy. With a background in biomedical engineering and immunology, Rachel is the Principal Scientist of Cell Therapy at Obsidian Therapeutics. She has been an active member of ISCT since 2016 and currently sits on the Early-Stage Professionals Committee as Co-Chair.

    As Assistant Editor, Rachel will work closely with Senior Editor Dr. Donald G. Phinney and Commissioning Editor, Dr. Patrick Hanley, to raise awareness of the Cytotherapy brand. In her first term, Rached helped recruit outstanding content for the journal and work closely with the ISCT membership to ensure that the journal continues to support the Society’s mission.

    Rachel Burga, PhD
    Assistant Editor, Cytotherapy
    United States

     132 Published Papers
    400+ ISCT 2022 Abstracts – 80 ABTCel-Gen Abstracts

    ISCT Insta-Your-Cells Photo Challenge

    Each year, ISCT hosts the Insta-Your-Cells Photo Challenge, calling on community members to submit interesting images from under the microscope. These images are selected to feature on the front cover of Cytotherapy®, the Official Journal of ISCT, showcasing the fascinating world of cells to peers around the globe. 

    The winning image of the 3rd annual Insta Your Cells Photo Challenge was submitted by Philippe Cohen, MD, PhD, France. ISCT Head Office prepared a framed keepsake to celebrate this iconic first-place image.

    View Featured Images from the ISCT Insta-Your-Cells Photo Challenge

    Take a look at the stunning submissions selected to be featured on the front cover of Cytotherapy® in 2022. 

    January 2022

    Philippe Cohen (France)

    Image description: 

    3D stem cell colony, iPS Epiblastoid cultured inside core-shell hydrogel capsule. Blue DAPI.

    February 2022

    Gina Kusuma (Australia)

    Image description:
    Immunofluorescence image of human amniotic epithelial cells in monolayer culture and stained with actin (red), vinculin (green) and DAPI (blue)

    March 2022

    Giulia Golinelli (Italy)

    Image description: 
    Day one of spheroid-based coculture between sarcoma cells and TRAIL-expressing MSCs.

    April 2022

    Philippe Cohen (France)

    Image Description:

    Biomimetic 3D stem cell colonies inside Core-Shell alginate capsules. C-STEM Treefrog Therapeutics.

    May 2022

    Philippe Cohen (France)

    Image Description:
    Lumenized 3D pluripotent stem cell colony (epiblastoid) cultivated in hollow capsule in bioreactor (C-StemTM). Nucleus dapi actin staining (phalloidin), equatorial sections & color-coded projections, 200µm diameter.

    June 2022

    Andrés Caicedo (Ecuador)

    Image Description:
    The moment in which an EV from mouse-MSC carrying mitochondria is shared among mouse-MSC differentially labelled (MitoRed and MitoGreen). The EV (MTR) is interacting with the MSC (MTR) membrane with the possibility of being internalized. 20X zoomed image.

    July 2022

    Miriel Ho (Canada)

    Image Description:Cardiomyocytes differentiated from human iPS cells displaying cardiac troponin T (red), sarcomeric alpha-actinin (green) and counterstained with DAPI (blue).

    August 2022

    Inken Kelch (New Zealand)

    Image Description:

    Human keratinocytes in co-culture with melanocytes.

     

    September 2022

    Mirabelle Ho (Canada)

    Image Description:
    Flight of Fancy: iPSC differentiated Cardiomyocyte. Progenitors marked by NKX2.5 (red) become less apparent even as characteristic Cardic Troponin T observed in green persists. Nuclei counterstained with Dapi (blue).

    October 2022

    Maria Dolores Carmona (Spain)

    Image Description:
    Ultrastructure of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cell under transmission electron microscopy in the third passage of culture (Jeol Jem 1400 transmission electron microscope): Cytoplasm, nucleus and exosomes ultrastructural features.

    November 2022

    Shanti Sibuea (Indonesia)

    Image Description:
    Mature midbrain dopaminergic neuron expressing eGFP under the control of LMX1A and immunolabelled for nucleus (DAPI), TH (red)

    December 2022

    Marc-Antoine Da-Veiga (Belgium)

    Image Description:
     Expression of the neuronal marker Beta III tubulin (Orange), in pediatric patient-derived stem-like cell line of glioblastoma (SF188) after 12 days of cultures in neuronal differentiation medium. Nucleus (DAPI, turquoise), obj*40 epifluoresent.

    Meet the ISCT Workforce Development Committee

    CO-CHAIRS

    Emily Circle

    Emily Hopewell, PhD 
    Indiana University School Of Medicine
    United States

    Patrick Hanley

    Patrick  Hanley, PhD
    Children’s National Hospital

    United States

    Recognizing the current skills gaps in CGT translation as a critical issue for the sector, in November 2022, ISCT formed the ISCT Workforce Development Committee.

    Led by Co-chairs Emily Hopewell, PhD and Patrick Hanley, PhD the committee will provide strategic guidance to identify, develop and deliver ISCT training and development programs.

    Programs will focus on the specific needs of professions based on their region, industry, and skill level to support the sustainable growth of the cell and gene therapy sector.

    Throughout 2023, the committee will focus on identifying and prioritizing urgent needs for training and educational programs for professionals working across the full spectrum of translational science, starting from pre-clinical development through to patient access, to develop and deliver comprehensive programs to upskill and train the existing CGT workforce.

    ISCT Committee on the Ethics of Cell and Gene Therapy

    CHAIR

    Laertis Ikonomou, PhD
    The State University of New York at Buffalo

    United States

    In October 2021, the ISCT Presidential Task Force on the Use of Unproven and/or Unethical Cell and Gene Therapies formally became the ISCT Committee on the Ethics of Cell and Gene Therapy (ECGT). This change is intended to reflect the committees revised mission to identify key ethical issues associated with the development, regulatory authorization, and distribution of cell and gene therapies.

    In 2022, the Committee re-affirmed its position on, and concerns with, speculative immune cell banking. Following the 2022 US federal court ruling in favor of California Stem Cell Treatment Center, Inc., and Cell Surgical Network Corporation, the Committee contributed to publishing an ISCT position and press release, highlighting the dangers of unproven cell therapies to patient safety.

    Undertaking its broader remit, the ECGT Committee developed and published informed positions providing guidance and clarity on complicated ethical matters within the CGT space. The Committee has undertaken the task of developing resources to address ethical topics, and potential issues, arising from the EU Hospital Exemption and the US expanded access pathway. The Committee organized a roundtable session at the ISCT 2022 San Francisco Annual Meeting addressing both pathways, and published a position paper on Hospital Exemption within the framework of safety and ethical interests of patients. On January 19, 2022, the Committee launched the ISCT Expanded Access Working Group.

    Over the course of 2022, the Committee has worked to develop a guide for the general public, which analyses the regenerative medicine industry, focusing on distinctive features of unproven cell and cell-based products, suggesting practical strategies to address marketing of such products, and providing an overview of reporting mechanisms available to patients across different jurisdictions globally. This comprehensive guide will be published in 2023 and provides an important resource to protect patients globally.

    ISCT Expanded Access Working Group

    CHAIR

    Patricia J. Zettler, JD
    The Ohio State University
    United States

    FDA LIAISON

    Wilson Bryan, MD
    The Office of Tissues and Advanced Therapies
    United States

    The ISCT Expanded Access Working Group was launched with the mandate to identify and address practical, ethical, and regulatory issues that arise from the use, and potential misuse, of the expanded access pathway by various CGT stakeholders.

    Since its launch, the Working Group has been developing informed perspectives on expanded access to generate educational resources that promote innovation in translational research while upholding the highest ethical standards. The Working Group submitted a short report reviewing the history and current state of the US expanded access pathway, and highlighting three emerging areas of concern. The report will be published in Cytotherapy in early 2023.

    The overarching objective of the Working Group is to further refine its position on ethical issues arising from the use, and potential misuse, of the expanded access pathway, culminating in the development of a code of ethics. In developing this code of ethics, ISCT will seek out input and endorsement from other organizations in the field.

    Meet The ISCT Early Stage Professional Committee

    CO-CHAIRS

    Kevin Bosse, PhD RAC
    Nationwide
    Children’s Hospital
    United States

    Rachel Burga, PhD
    Obsidian Therapeutics
    United States

    The ISCT Early Stage Professionals Committee (ESP) strives to engage and connect ESP with the wider CGT sector on a regional and global level. Co-Chaired by Kevin Bosse, PhD RAC and Rachel Burga, PhD, the committee provides networking opportunities and career development resources for professionals to excel in their careers.

    The committee hosts a variety of tailored events and workshops, such as the ISCT ESP Mentoring Program and the ISCT ESP Leadership Development program helping connect professionals with key opinion leaders and subject matter experts.

    In 2022, ISCT formed three regional ESP subcommittees in Asia, Australia and New Zealand and South Central America to drive ESP membership and increase interactions between ESPs and regional leadership.

    Cytotherapy®, the official journal for the International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy (ISCT), publishes novel and innovative results from high quality scientific and clinical studies in the fields of cell and gene therapy.In 2021, Cytotherapy has continued to successfully advance and expand the field of cell and gene therapy for clinical researchers, oncologists, hematologists, physicians, and regulatory experts alike. The Journal had a 5.414 impact factor for 2020, a new record from which the editorial board hopes to grow further.

    This year, ABTCel-Gen, a CGT-focused society based in South & Central America, joined as an affiliate society to Cytotherapy. This landmark partnership creates a strong pathway to publication for affiliate members, while drawing from a proven pool of translational expertise.

    Take a look at our Talking with Giants series, launched in 2019, which showcases leaders in the field of cell and gene therapy through informal question and answer articles. Talking with Giants is featured at the start of each issue of Cytotherapy.

    You can read issues of Cytotherapy® here.
    This year, Cytotherapy® also launched a Twitter account to share fresh updates and resources.

     118 Published Papers
    400+ ISCT 2021 Abstracts – 106 ABTCel-Gen Abstracts

    ISCT Insta-Your-Cells Photo Challenge

    Each year, ISCT hosts the Insta-Your-Cells Photo Challenge, calling on community members to submit interesting images from under the microscope. These images are selected to feature on the front cover of Cytotherapy®, the Official Journal of ISCT, showcasing the fascinating world of cells to peers around the globe. 

    This year, ISCT Head Office also prepared a framed keepsake to celebrate an iconic first place image, submitted by Pradyut Paul, PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States. 

    Take a look at the stunning submissions selected to be featured on the front cover of Cytotherapy® this year. 

    • All
    • 2020-2021
    • 2019-2020
    January 2021

    Hillary Sherman

    Image Description: Human intestinal organoids from a patient with cystic fibrosis stained with villin (red)

    February 2021

    Ivano Colao

    Image Description: 3-dimensional fluorescent confocal microscopy images of Umbilical Cord-derived MSC grown on microcarriers and stained for CD 105 (red), STRO-1 (green), and cell nuclei with Hoechst (Blue).

    March 2021

    Johnatas Silva

    Image Description: Modulation of mitophagy in LPS-stimulated Human small airways epithelial cells treated with extracellular vesicles of bone marrow-derived stromal mesenchymal cells. Blue = DAPI, Red = MitoTracker, Green = LC3A / B, Orange = Mitophagy

    April 2021

    Wah Suet Ng

    Image Description: ULTRASTRUCTURE OF HUMAN UMBILICAL CORD DERIVED MESENCHYMAL STEM CELL under scanning electron microscopy. The surface features of P0 human umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cell. Blebs and few filopodia are observed.

    May 2021

    Pradyut Paul

    Image Description: Porcine pancreatic stellate cells protect human islet endocrine function in co-culture

    June 2021

    Julian Milberg

    Image Description: A PtK2 Cell undergoing Anaphase. The DNA (in green) was stained with Sytox Green and the microtubules (in red) were stained with Alexa 546. The imagine was done with a Leica TCS SP8 STED 3X Microscope. 

    July 2021

    Philippe Cohen

    Image Description: The Epiblastoid (Confocal Equatorial view): 3D culture of induced pluripotent stem cells inside core-shell hydrogel capsule. Blue DAPI, Pink F-ACTIN. Philippe Cohen (TreeFrog Tx) Jeremie Teillon (Bordeaux Imaging Center), AGAVE software

    August 2021

    Audrey Varin

    Image Description: Crop of human adipose tissue. Yellow: adipocytes; red: endothelial cells; green: adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs); purple: macrophages. Photo credit: Audrey Varin-Corinne Barreau

    September 2021

    Minna Sivonen

    Image Description: Human macrophages differentiated from blood derived monocytes in suspension bioreactor. Image showing macrophages cytoskeleton (Vimentin -red) and nuclei (blue).

    October 2021

    Minna Sivonen

    Image Description: Human adult dermal fibroblasts showing essential myofibroblast transdifferentiation during wound healing. Image showing alpha- smooth muscle actin (green) and nuclei (blue).

    November 2021

    Maojia Xu (Ireland)

    Image Description: Neural rosettes formed in Embryoid body that were
    derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Neural cells were coloured by NESTIN (red) and nucleus (blue) staining. 

    December 2021

    Francesca Bastaroli (Italy)

    Image Description: iPSC-derived cardiomyocyte stained for cardiac troponin
    T (cTnT, green) and nuclei (DAPI, blue).

    January 2020

    Imam Rosadi (Indonesia)

    Image description: Human platelet-rich plasma induced chondrogenesis of human adipose-derived stem cells culture on silk fibroin scaffold stained by DAPI (blue) and type 2 collagen (green) on day 14 of observation.
    February 2020

    Ahmad Galuta (Canada)

    Image description: Neural networks generated from stem cells form new connections after spinal cord injury. Spinal cord stem cells were differentiated into neurons, shown here by Tuj1 immuno-fluorescence, and represent promising tools for regenerating the spinal cord.

    March 2020

    Saba Ghassemi (United States)

    Image description: SEM image of an immune synapse formed between a CAR T cell and a corresponding tumor cell.

    April 2020

    Giulia Golinelli (Italy)

    Image Description: Mix co-culture between red-tumor cells & green-MSC spheroid

    May 2020

    Alexander Bornschlegl (USA)

    Image Description: Human adipose derived MSCs on matrix. Cells were labeled with Hoechst and Phalloidin. Image is a 10x Z-Stack projection.

    June 2020

    Verena Börger (Germany)

    Image Description: human iPS cells stained for stem cell marker (OCT4; green) and nucleus (Dapi; blue).

    July 2020

    Ivano Colao (United Kingdom) 

    Image Description: 3-dimensional fluorescent confocal microscopy images of Umbilical Cord-derived MSC grown on microcarriers and stained for CD 73 (green), and cell nuclei with Hoechst (Blue).

    August 2020

    Ahmad Galuta

    Image Description: Astronomy is analogous to the study of the brain and mind in many ways. Shown here are brain-derived astrocytes migrating radially outwards from a neurosphere resembling a beautiful star cluster. 

    September 2020

    Giulia Gollinelli (Italy)

    Image Description: Early co-culture between red-tumor spheroid and green-MSC

    October 2020

    Hilary Sherman

    Image Description: Normal Airway organoid generated from HBECs. basal cells (green), ciliated cells (red), mucus production from goblet cells (orange), nuclei (blue)

    November 2020

    Vitale Miceli

    Image Description: Immunofluorescence staining for Vimentin in human renal mesangial cells

    December 2020

    Giulia Golinelli

    Image Description: Frozen section of co-culture between red-tumor spheroid and green-MSC

    Load More

    The Telegraft Editorial Board

    Janet Macpherson, PhD
    Australia

    C. Russell Y. Cruz, MD, PhD 
    USA 

    Available to ISCT members, Telegraft is the go-to resource to keep up to date with the latest Society activities and important developments in cell and gene therapy.

    2022 brought exciting updates for Telegraft, with the launch of the ‘Telegraft Hub,’ the new online home for ISCT news and community. Alongside monthly e-newsletters, ISCT members now have access to the online interactive hub, allowing them to connect with peers and access key updates and curated content.

    The Telegraft Editorial Board works to engage and connect the whole ISCT community across academia, science, regulation and commercial by sharing insightful discussions and up-to-date information on critical issues affecting the field of cellular therapy.

    Access the Telegraft Archives
    Access the Telegraft Hub

    Nancy H. Collins, PhD
    USA

    Satyam Arora, MD
    USA

    Rounak Dubey, MBBS,  MD
    India

    Shyam Bhakta, MD, MBA
    India

    Ashley Krull, BSc, PhD
    USA

    Michele Sugrue, MT
    USA

    Wouter Van’t Hof, PhD
    USA

    Joaquim Vives, PhD
    Portugal

    Celebrating our Army of Volunteer Champions

    ISCT acknowledges the service of its members, volunteering expertise, time, and energy to the vast task of advancing the field of cell and gene therapies.
    From mentoring the next generation to publishing key standards and fostering relationships across the sector, ISCT members set the gold standard. 

    Thank you for being part of the ISCT community

    We acknowledge these Society leaders who have completed terms of service in a formal position in 2021.
    Your hard work and dedication have continually pushed the society to new heights, and we cannot wait to connect again soon:

    Board of Directors

    John Rasko, AO, MBBS, PhD, FRCPA, FRACP, FAHMS
    Chair, Strategic Advisory Council (Immediate Past President)
    June 2020 – June 2022
    Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
    Sydney, Australia 

    Lizette Caballero, BS, MT(ASCP)
    Global Secretary
    June 2019 – June 2022
    UCSF Blood and Marrow Transplant Lab
    San Francisco, CA, United States

    Rajiv Khanna, PhD AO
    Australia & New Zealand, Regional Vice-President
    June 2020 – June 2022
    QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute
    Brisbane, Australia

    Mitchell Cairo, MD
    North America, Regional Vice-President
    June 2020 – June 2022
    New York Medical College
    New York, NY, United States

    Karen Nichols, Esq.
    Chief Regulatory Officer
    March 2016 – June 2022
    Vertex Pharmaceuticals
    Cambridge, MA, United States

    Vicki Antonenas, BSc, MSc
    Elected Member Technologist
    June 2020 – June 2022
    Sydney Cellular Therapies Laboratory,
    Westmead Hospital
    Australia

    Scientific Committees

    Patrick Hanley, PhD
    Co-Chair Immuno-Gene
    Therapy Committee
    Children’s National Hospital
    United States

    Giuseppe Orlando, MD, PhD
    Co-Chair Gastrointestinal Committee
    Wake Forest University
    United States

     

    Rachele Ciccocioppo, MD
    Co-Chair Gastrointestinal Committee
    University of Verona
    Italy

    George Muschler, MD
    Co-Chair Orthopedic & Musculoskeletal Therapies
    Cleveland Clinic
    United States

     

    Christian Jorgensen, MD, PhD
    Co-Chair Orthopedic & Musculoskeletal Therapies
    University Hospital Lapeyronie
    France

     

     

    Sarah Chan, Ma PhD
    ECGT Committee
    University of Edinburgh
    United Kingdom

    Andrew Hoffman, DVM, DVSc
    Exosomes Committee
    University of Pennsylvania
    United States

    Commercialization Committee


    John Fink, MBA
    Co-Chair Process Development and Manufacturing Committee
    PerkinElmer, Inc.
    United States

    Early Stage Professionals Committee

    Emily Hopewell, PhD
    Indiana University School of Medicine
    United States

    Aaron Tze Kai Tan
    Stanford University
    United States

    Lizbeth Diaz Polo, MD
    University of San Martin de Porres
    Spain

    Jordan Greenberg, PhD
    Shoreline Biosciences
    United States

     

    Shabnum Patel, PhD
    CARGO Therapeutics
    United States

    Telegraft Editorial Board


    Nancy H. Collins, PhD

    University of Toledo
    Toledo, OH, United States


    Satyam Arora, MD

    Super Speciality Paediatric Hospital and Post Graduate Teaching Institute
    India

    Regulatory and Quality Operations

    Lab Practices Committee
    Vicki Antonenas, BSc, MSc

    Westmead Hospital
    Australia

    Europe Legal & Regulatory Affairs Committee
    Paula Salmikangas, PhD
    NDA Group
    Finland

    Updates From Our Regional Leaders

    As a truly global organization, ISCT leverages a regional model to deploy solutions to global issues on a regional level. Spearheaded by passionate volunteer leadership, who understand the needs and concerns unique to each region, ISCT addresses the emergent needs of CGT professionals across the globe. With partnerships including regional partner organizations, regulatory bodies, and stakeholder communities, each of the ISCT regional committees drives the advancement of translational science at a high global standard.

    Our committees work autonomously to deliver key scientific meetings, stimulate membership growth, and develop regional professional networks. Through 2022, our committees worked hard to develop the groundwork for new committees with a special focus on early-stage professionals and facilitated several major events that have continued to build consensus across the sector. 

    Here are some of the highlights from our regional committees this year:

    New Committees Around the Globe 

    In 2022, to further the society’s commitment to workforce development, ISCT formed three new regional early-stage professionals subcommittees in Asia, Australia and New Zealand and South-Central America. Supported by the respective regional executive committee, these subcommittees were created to promote regional and global engagement and networking for early-stage professionals providing them with resources and career guidance to ensure their success.

    Championed by regional volunteers, the Asia, Australia and New Zealand and South-Central America subcommittees are in full swing developing key initiatives to drive ESP membership and engagement in each region. ISCT is currently working on establishing ESP subcommittees in both North America and Europe for 2023.

    Key Regional Initiatives in 2022

    ISCT regional committees deliver high-quality programmes globally, with autonomous planning supported by the society’s global network and resources. . As restrictions eased post-pandemic, regional executive committees were excited to return to in-person meetings and reconnect face-to-face with the wider ISCT community.

    With a reignited vigour to connect cell and gene therapy professionals globally, 2022 was a particularly active year for regional events. ISCT regional committees partnered and collaborated with several external groups and organizations as well connecting with other ISCT committees.

    In August, the Australia & New Zealand Regional Executive Committee hosted its first in-person regional meeting post-pandemic. The highly anticipated event welcomed 137 delegates to Brisbane, Australia, and featured workshops and panel discussions with particular attention to quality, regulatory affairs, education, training, commercialization and clinical practice.

    Meanwhile, in North America, the leadership team hosted a virtual interactive member-focused regional town hall meeting in October to connect and engage with members in the region. The meeting facilitated open discussions focused on workforce development and retention challenges, including both commercial and academic perspectives.

    To facilitate cross-regional collaboration, The North America and South & Central America Regional Executive Committees partnered to present a two-part webinar series. The first installment discussed the clinical manufacturing of CAR T Cells, and the second explored the mechanism, safety and efficacy of mRNA-based cancer vaccines for oncological therapy. The collaborative series brought together subject matter experts and key opinion leaders from across both regions and received over 550 registrants from across the globe.

    ESP Members at Australia & New Zealand Regional Meeting

    Strategic Regional Partnerships

    Virtual Scientific Meeting with the Biotherapeutics
    Association of Australasia (BAA)

    In Australia & New Zealand, ISCT leaders held a joint virtual scientific meeting with the Biotherapeutics Association of Australasia (BAA) to address developments in cell and gene therapies. The two-day event, held in February 2022, hosted scientific presentations featuring both international and regional speakers to discuss the latest developments in the clinical and commercial delivery of cell and gene therapies and the latest regulatory updates relevant to the region.

    ISCT Joint Session the International Congress of Blood and
    Marrow Transplantation (ICBMT)

    Leaders in Asia were delighted to continue its partnership with the Korean Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation (KSBMT) with a joint session on gene editing and gene therapy at the International Congress of Blood and Marrow Transplantation (ICBMT), the 27th Annual congress of KSBMT in September. The long-standing partnership between ISCT and KSBMT is a key partnership for the region. It fosters international cooperation in education and research in the field of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cell & gene therapy.

    ISCT Joint Session at the 44th Japanese Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Annual Meeting

    In May, the ISCT Asia Regional Executive Committee partnered with the Japanese Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (JSTCT 2022) to host a joint session on ‘Strategies to Improve Classical CBT by Introducing New Cellular Therapies’. The session was chaired by Satoshi Takahashi, MD, PhD, Past ISCT Asia Regional Vice-President, JSTCT 2022 President and included a remote presentation from William YK Hwang, MBBS, MMed, FRCP, FAMS, ISCT Asia Regional Vice-President Elect.

    ISCT Sessions the XII Congress of ABTCel Scientific Meeting

    In October, the South and Central America Executive Committee again partnered with the Brazilian Association of Cellular and Gene Therapy (ABTCel-Gen) for the XII Congress of ABTCel – Gen in Rio de Janeiro. ISCT invited speakers participated both in-person and virtually, leading discussions on topics such as manuscript writing, cell therapy and therapies for cancer through sessions and interactive workshops. Alongside event participation, The South and Central America regional leaders were proud to sponsor the top-scoring abstract awards and provide a special abstract supplement showcasing all accepted abstracts from the meeting publication in Cytotherapy, the official journal of ISCT.

    Our Regional Leaders
    Click below to access or join our communities

    Asia Region

    Click to Access or Join the Asia Regional Community

    Australia & New Zealand Region

    Click to Access or Join the Australia & New Zealand Regional Community

    Europe Region

    Click to Access or Join the Europe Regional Community

    North America Region

    Click to Access or Join the North America Regional Community

    South & Central America Region

    Click to Access or Join the South & Central America Regional Community

    Advancing Translational Science

    Building Consensus and Community

    Motivated to stay true to the essence of ISCT as a truly global translation-focused community of experts, ISCT made major strategic progress in 2022, with significant investments in community development, workforce development and addressing ethical issues. Working in collaboration with ISCT leadership, the Society enhanced the value of its membership value across all disciplines for leaders and newcomers alike as well as developed key resources and drove consensus to combat the critical issues facing the wider CGT sector. As the ISCT community continues to grow, the Society is perfectly positioned to empower the field to drive the translation of research into safe, effective and accessible treatments with long-lasting impact.

     

    A New Translational Pathway Program for ISCT 2022 San Francisco

    Excited to welcome delegates to the first in-person ISCT meeting post Pandemic, ISCT was determined to make a significant impact with ISCT 2022 San Francisco. Welcoming 1,646 delegates from across the globe, ISCT 2022 was the largest ISCT Annual Meeting to date and was proud to serve as a key event reconnecting the wider CGT community. A standout feature of the meeting was the redesign of the ISCT Scientific program, a strategic initiative inspired to better cater to the interests of all delegates, across the full range of CGT development and deployment.

    The Translational Pathway Program, reflects ISCT’s role in driving the translation of scientific research into safe and effective therapies that can be deployed to patients. The new program was designed to mirror the therapeutic development process and integrated perspectives across the CGT sector to address key topics at all stages of translation.

    As a counter-part to the Translational Pathway Program, ISCT also launched the Roundtable Program at ISCT 2022. Unique in the cell and gene therapy sector, this program provides a platform for delegates to debate and collaboratively develop consensus and solutions to practical problems and barriers in the field. Recognizing the breadth and depth in expertise of Annual Meeting delegates, ISCT developed this unique platform to connect professionals from across the globe who share the same goals and encounter the same difficulties.

    “ISCT broadened its focus, through a whole series of roundtables, to cover wider challenges experienced across the industry, from generating return on investment to managing the supply chain. ISCT will continue to monitor the efficacy of solutions generated at the meeting and continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure an increasing number of patients are able to benefit from cell and gene therapies.”

    Bruce Levine, PhD
    University Of Pennsylvania
    United States

    Taking a Stand on Access and Ethics

    The rapid growth of the sector has introduced new ethical concerns associated with the development, regulatory authorization, and distribution of cell and gene therapies. Recognizing this, ISCT has worked to develop internal infrastructure so that the Society remains a leading voice on critical and topical ethical issues.

    Undertaking a broader remit to identify these key ethical issues, ISCT has introduced the Committee on the Ethics of Cell and Gene Therapy (ECGT). Formally the ISCT Presidential Task Force on the Use of Unproven and/or Unethical Cell and Gene Therapies, this new multidisciplinary committee regroups key stakeholder perspectives to promote the ethical development of the sector.   

    To further refine the Society’s position on ethical issues, ISCT formed the ISCT Expanded Access Working Group. The overarching objective of the Working Group is to further refine its position on ethical issues arising from the use, and potential misuse, of the expanded access pathway, culminating in the development of a code of ethics.

    Under the guidance of the new ECGT committee, ISCT is now better positioned to give informed consensus on ethical issues. In 2022, following the 2022 US federal court ruling in favor of California Stem Cell Treatment Center, Inc., and Cell Surgical Network Corporation, ISCT published a press release highlighting the dangers of unproven cell therapies to patient safety.

    Read the Press Release Here

    Enhanced Industry Membership Program

    Network. Problem Solve. Lead.

    With Industry members representing a vital part of ISCT DNA, in 2022, ISCT worked to adapt the industry program to better meet the needs of our growing community. In collaboration with the ISCT Industry leadership, ISCT worked to evaluate how to adapt our program gaining feedback from our members at the forefront of driving the translation of cell and gene therapies.

    At its core, ISCT Industry Membership provides the ability to network, discuss current challenges in Cell and Gene Therapy and examine potential solutions with global experts from a variety of disciplines. As part of the restructure, ISCT has adapted the membership program to two levels, Patron and Associate, both of which offer access to networking events, monthly strategic discussion forums and the opportunity to contribute to the development of sector advancing educational resources.

    The newly enhanced program also welcomed The Asia Pacific Regional Commercialization Committee, created to foster strong industry relationships in the region.

    The launch of the new membership program marks a significant milestone for ISCT, with a record number of new members joining in 2022.  ISCT Industry leadership looks forward to continuing to grow our global community and support those working to expand the development and delivery of safe and effective cell and gene therapies for patients.

    Become An Industry Member Today

    Chair ISCT Industry Committee


    Anthony Ting,
    PhD
    Bone Therapeutics
    United States

    Countries Represented in the ISCT Industry Community

    A Breakout Year for Cytotherapy®

    ISCT continues to advance scientific translation through the expansion and improvement of its peer-reviewed scientific journal, Cytotherapy. Under the close collaboration of its editorial board, with support from ISCT Head Office and our publishers at Elsevier, the Journal has attained a record-breaking impact factor at 6.196.

    In 2022, Cytotherapy published 132 articles including, reviews, short repots, correspondence and editorials. The Journal received a record number of downloads and citations solidifying its position as the first choice in cell and gene therapy translation publishing.

    Donald Phinney, PhD
    Senior Editor
    United States

    Patrick Hanley, PhD
    Commissioning Editor
    United States

    Top Cited Articles of 2022

    Leukapheresis guidance and best practices for optimal chimeric antigen receptor T-cell manufacturing

    Need for aligning the definition and reporting of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) in immuno-oncology clinical trials

    Imaging flow cytometry challenges the usefulness of classically used extracellular vesicle labeling dyes and qualifies the novel dye Exoria for the labeling of mesenchymal stromal cell–extracellular vesicle preparations

    Top Downloaded Articles of 2022

    Critical considerations for the development of potency tests for therapeutic applications of mesenchymal stromal cell-derived small extracellular vesicles

    Anti-EGFR chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells in metastatic pancreatic carcinoma: A phase I clinical trial

    The long road to the first FDA-approved gene therapy: chimeric antigen receptor T cells targeting CD19

    View Featured Images from the ISCT Insta-Your-Cells Photo Challenge

    Take a look at the stunning submissions selected to be featured on the front cover of Cytotherapy® in 2022. 

     

    January 2022

    Philippe Cohen (France)

    Image description: 

    3D stem cell colony, iPS Epiblastoid cultured inside core-shell hydrogel capsule. Blue DAPI.

    February 2022

    Gina Kusuma (Australia)

    Image description:
    Immunofluorescence image of human amniotic epithelial cells in monolayer culture and stained with actin (red), vinculin (green) and DAPI (blue)

    March 2022

    Giulia Golinelli (Italy)

    Image description: 
    Day one of spheroid-based coculture between sarcoma cells and TRAIL-expressing MSCs.

    April 2022

    Philippe Cohen (France)

    Image Description:

    Biomimetic 3D stem cell colonies inside Core-Shell alginate capsules. C-STEM Treefrog Therapeutics.

    May 2022

    Philippe Cohen (France)

    Image Description:
    Lumenized 3D pluripotent stem cell colony (epiblastoid) cultivated in hollow capsule in bioreactor (C-StemTM). Nucleus dapi actin staining (phalloidin), equatorial sections & color-coded projections, 200µm diameter.

    June 2022

    Andrés Caicedo (Ecuador)

    Image Description:
    The moment in which an EV from mouse-MSC carrying mitochondria is shared among mouse-MSC differentially labelled (MitoRed and MitoGreen). The EV (MTR) is interacting with the MSC (MTR) membrane with the possibility of being internalized. 20X zoomed image.

    July 2022

    Miriel Ho (Canada)

    Image Description:Cardiomyocytes differentiated from human iPS cells displaying cardiac troponin T (red), sarcomeric alpha-actinin (green) and counterstained with DAPI (blue).

    August 2022

    Inken Kelch (New Zealand)

    Image Description:

    Human keratinocytes in co-culture with melanocytes.

     

    September 2022

    Mirabelle Ho (Canada)

    Image Description:
    Flight of Fancy: iPSC differentiated Cardiomyocyte. Progenitors marked by NKX2.5 (red) become less apparent even as characteristic Cardic Troponin T observed in green persists. Nuclei counterstained with Dapi (blue).

    October 2022

    Maria Dolores Carmona (Spain)

    Image Description:
    Ultrastructure of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cell under transmission electron microscopy in the third passage of culture (Jeol Jem 1400 transmission electron microscope): Cytoplasm, nucleus and exosomes ultrastructural features.

    November 2022

    Shanti Sibuea (Indonesia)

    Image Description:
    Mature midbrain dopaminergic neuron expressing eGFP under the control of LMX1A and immunolabelled for nucleus (DAPI), TH (red)

    December 2022

    Marc-Antoine Da-Veiga (Belgium)

    Image Description:
     Expression of the neuronal marker Beta III tubulin (Orange), in pediatric patient-derived stem-like cell line of glioblastoma (SF188) after 12 days of cultures in neuronal differentiation medium. Nucleus (DAPI, turquoise), obj*40 epifluoresent.

    Chair

    Bruce Levine, PhD
    President
    June 2020 – June 2022
    Barbara and Edward Netter Professor in Cancer Gene Therapy
    University of Pennsylvania
    Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Directors

    Jacques Galipeau, MD
    President-Elect
    June 2020 – June 2022
    University of Wisconsin-Madison
    Madison, WI, United States 

    John Rasko, AO, MBBS, PhD, FRCPA, FRACP, FAHMS
    Chair, Strategic Advisory Council (Immediate Past President)
    June 2020 – June 2022
    Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
    Sydney, Australia 

    Lizette Caballero, BS, MT(ASCP)
    Global Secretary
    June 2019 – June 2022
    UCSF Blood and Marrow Transplant Lab
    San Francisco, CA, United States

    Emily Hopewell, PhD
    Global Treasurer
    June 2020 – June 2023
    Indiana University School of Medicine
    Zionsville, Indiana

    Bryan Choi, PhD
    Asia, Regional Vice-President 
    June 2021 – June 2023

    Strategic Center For Regenerative Medicine (SCRM)
    Inha University
    Incheon, Korea

    Rajiv Khanna, PhD AO
    Australia & New Zealand, Regional Vice-President
    June 2020 – June 2022
    QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute
    Brisbane, Australia

    Massimiliano Gnecchi, MD, PhD
    Europe, Regional Vice-President 
    June 2021 – June 2023

    University Of Pavia & IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Hospital
    Pavia, Italy

    Mitchell Cairo, MD
    North America, Regional Vice-President
    June 2020 – June 2022
    New York Medical College
    New York, NY, United States

    Antonio Carlos Campos de Carvalho, MD, PhDSouth and Central America, Regional Vice-President
    June 2021 – June 2023
    Institute Of Biophysics
    Federal University Of Rio De Janeiro
    Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

    Daniel J. Weiss, MD, PhD
    Chief Scientific Officer

    June 2016 – June 2022
    University of Vermont
    Burlington, VT, United States

    Anthony Ting, PhD
    Chief Commercialization Officer 
    May 2020 – May 2022
    Athersys
    Cleveland, OH, United States

    Karen Nichols, Esq.
    Chief Regulatory Officer
    March 2016 – June 2022
    Vertex Pharmaceuticals
    Cambridge, MA, United States

    Dominique Farge, MD, PhD
    Elected Member MD
    June 2021 – June 2023
    Greater Paris University Hospitals – AP-HP
    Paris, France

    Sowmya Viswanathan, PhD
    Elected Member PhD
    June 2020 – June 2022
    University Health Network and University of Toronto
    Canada

    Vicki Antonenas, BSc, MSc
    Elected Member Technologist
    June 2020 – June 2022
    Sydney Cellular Therapies Laboratory,
    Westmead Hospital
    Australia

    Diane Kadidlo, BSc, MT(ASCP), SBB
    Elected Member Technologist
    June 2021 – June 2023
    Molecular And Cellular Therapeutics
    University Of Minnesota
    St Paul, Minnesota, United States

    Donald Phinney, PhD
    Senior Editor of the Journal 
    October 2018 – Present
    Professor at The Scripps Research Institute
    Jupiter, FL, United States

    Queenie Jang, BSc (Pharmacy), MBA
    Chief Executive Officer 
    ISCT
    Vancouver, BC, Canada