Autolus Therapeutics plc announced it is evaluating the Cellares Cell Shuttle platform to complement its existing commercial manufacturing operations at the Nucleus facility in Stevenage, United Kingdom. The platform integrates all unit operations for CAR‑T manufacturing into a single‑use, closed, pre‑sterilized cartridge that can process up to 16 patient batches in parallel, potentially delivering up to ten‑fold higher throughput than conventional facilities of similar footprint and headcount.
The move is driven by the company’s need to meet projected demand for AUCATZYL, its approved CD19 CAR‑T therapy for relapsed or refractory B‑cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Autolus has reported negative gross, operating, and net margins in recent quarters, and a high cash burn rate that has tightened its cash runway. By adding an automated, scalable platform, the company aims to reduce cost of sales, improve gross margins, and mitigate the financial risk highlighted by its recent financial statements.
Cellares’ technology offers several advantages that align with Autolus’ cost‑efficiency goals. The closed, pre‑sterilized cartridge design eliminates the need for large, dedicated clean‑room infrastructure, reduces labor requirements, and lowers the risk of process failure. Industry estimates suggest that the platform can cut manufacturing costs by 20‑30 % and increase production capacity by 5‑10 fold, which would help Autolus scale AUCATZYL production without proportionally increasing fixed costs.
Autolus’ CEO Christian Itin noted that future demand for AUCATZYL is expected to exceed the capacity of the Nucleus facility, making the Cellares platform a potential option for capital‑efficient expansion. The company’s current commercial launch of AUCATZYL has already generated strong sales momentum, and the company is pursuing additional indications, including pediatric ALL and autoimmune diseases, which could further drive demand.
The evaluation of the Cell Shuttle platform represents a strategic step toward achieving sustainable profitability. By improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing cost of sales, Autolus seeks to transform its negative margins into positive ones, thereby extending its cash runway and positioning the company for long‑term growth in the competitive CAR‑T market.
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