Partners to Build Customised Tracking System

Software developer TrakCel and Mustang Bio Inc, a Fortress Biotech Company focused on immunotherapies based on proprietary chimeric antigen receptor engineered T cell (CAR T) technology, have joined forces to build a custom-configured cellular supply chain tracking and orchestration platform. This aims to provide visibility across all protocols down to the individual patient level, providing data from patient T cell collection to drug infusion.

Following integration into Mustang’s manufacturing facility in Worcester, Mass, US, the platform is expected to be operational by the first quarter of 2019. TrakCel will also integrate the platform into the operations of Mustang’s multiple supply chain partners, including collection centres, couriers and other third parties.

“An overview across the entire supply chain is critical to the successful development and delivery of CAR T product candidates,” said Knut Niss, PhD, Chief Technology Officer of Mustang. “Mustang selected TrakCel for its ability to configure and build a custom cellular orchestration platform that will specifically meet Mustang’s needs, scale with development and integrate with our existing systems. This will enable Mustang to decrease the complexities and risks involved in developing autologous CAR T technologies, which have previously used manual and paper-based methods. This may decrease the costs of goods by improving efficiencies throughout the supply chain and ensuring the quality of our CAR T product candidates from needle-to-needle, initiating at collection and ending at infusion. Moreover, the platform will enable us to improve product safety and regulatory compliance, confirming that the correct CAR T therapy is delivered to the right patient every time.”

Ravi Nalliah, CEO of TrakCel added: “Managing supply chains become so complex for some companies that it uses valuable resources that hinder development of much-needed therapies. TrakCel will aid Mustang to use its investment in its in-house manufacturing facilities to develop CAR T immunotherapies for patients with high unmet medical needs.”