Raymond Lam
Associate Director
Workforce Development and Training
ISCT Head Office
On October 23-27, 2023, ISCT-ASTCT hosted the fourth biennial Cell Therapy Training Course (CTTC) for 15 international Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) Scholars at Penn Medicine. CTTC is an application-based, ISCT-ASTCT-sponsored, full-tuition scholarship program designed by Global CGT experts to train and develop future CGT leaders. The 15 international CGT Scholars joined the course from the USA, Spain, Thailand, Italy, Australia, The Netherlands and the UK.
The week-long intensive training program combines lectures, discussions, mentoring, and networking sessions led by the global elite CGT experts - teaching scholars the latest knowledge on pre-clinical development, IND development, study design, cell manufacturing, QA, regulatory affairs, funding, and commercialization. The multi-faceted training approach empowers scholars with valuable insights and skills essential to excel in this rapidly advancing field.
Our heartfelt appreciation goes to our course co-directors, Bruce Levine and Marcela Maus, planning faculty members, and the global expert speakers sharing your wealth of knowledge and insights with the scholars. The immense success of the 2023 ISCT-ASTCT CTTC at Penn Medicine has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on scholars as they continue their journey in cell and gene therapy.
The 2023 ISCT-ASTCT Cell Therapy Training Course Scholars
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Highlights from the 2023 Cell Therapy Training Course
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Dr. Peter Marks joined Dr. Emma Meagher for a fireside chat on strategies for regulatory success. |
| Drs. Emily Hopewell, Johannes van der Loo, Kenneth Cornetta talked about manufacturing and analytics of viral vectors, giving insights into regulations and standards that govern the production, and release testing requirements for viral vectors intended for ex vivo or in vivo clinical use. |
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A day at 2023 ISCT-ASTCT CTTC, where global scholars hear from CGT Experts on IND Development, Study Design, Conduct and Analysis of Clinical Trials. |
| Dr. Andrew Fesnak giving scholars a facility tour at the Clinical Cell and Vaccine Production Facility at Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. |
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Feedback from Scholars
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"I found the most impactful part of the course was to have direct FDA buy in, including a Q and A with senior FDA leadership surrounding the nuts and bolts of cell therapy IND interactions. Additionally, the real-life experiences and tribulations of cell therapy physicians and scientists who have shepherded products from the lab into the clinic were incredibly helpful." |
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Mark Leick, MD
Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School
Boston, MA, USA
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"I loved the holistic approach to translational cell and gene therapy. The program was a comprehensive week-long experience, combining didactic lectures, facility tours, and one-on-one mentorship. The sessions from cell therapy leaders in academia and in industry underscored the program's commitment to staying at the forefront of advancements. The diverse group of scholars from around the world facilitated collaborative learning and networking. The interactive career development session, where faculty members shared their personal journeys, was particularly insightful and motivating to me. Overall, the program significantly broadened my perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the field, contributing to my professional growth." |
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Maria Angela Aznar Gomez PhD
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA, USA
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For more information on the next CTTC program or to support ISCT training programs, please contact Raymond Lam at raymond@isctglobal.org.
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