Handling the different requirements for commercial and investigational MNC collections by apheresis

With the success of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) and similar cellular-based therapies, the demand for collection of autologous mononuclear cells by apheresis (MNC(A)) from blood by apheresis has increased. From an apheresis technical standpoint, the collection of MNC(A) is relatively straightforward, especially when compared with collection of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC(A)). Most of the collection for MNC(A) are performed for the commercial entities, who use the product for manufacturing cellular therapeutics. We have noticed discrepancies in the handling and apheresis processes required by different companies in obtaining essentially the same product (all companies in the study manufacture CAR-T-based products). We have analyzed the MNC collection requirements from all FDA-approved CAR-T cellular products and some investigational products collected at University of Nebraska Medical Center. We identified discrepancies in the process and suggested mitigation strategies.

Step-by-step analysis of the collection requirements. Review of the current guidelines and recommendations on this issue.

Multiple discrepancies in the collection process have been identified, even in the products collected for the same company. Practical approach of satisfying all the requirements based on University of Nebraska Medical Center experience has been suggested.

The current recommendations from multiple sources were reviewed in discussion.