Collaboration in action: decentralized manufacturing to expand patient access in cell therapy

Lee is an executive, entrepreneur, and investor in the cell therapy sector who has worked for tools/technology companies, non-profits, CDMOs, therapeutic developers, biopharma, reagent/consumable providers, investors, and service providers in the space across Europe, North America, and Asia.

Ian Gaudet, PhD, is the Head of US Regional Technical Operations, Vice President, for Galapagos NV. In his role he is responsible for overseeing strategy, development and operations of the US regional manufacturing network in support of Galapagos’ pioneering decentralized manufacturing approach. Ian has over 20 years of experience in the life science industry, including cell and gene therapy (CGT), biologics, and small molecule discovery. Ian has extensive experience serving the CGT market from within the contract manufacturing sector at multiple GCT-focused organizations, including as Chief Scientific Director, Bioindustry at Miltenyi Biotec and Director, Innovation and Engineering at Minaris Regenerative Medicine. Ian holds a doctorate in Biomedical Engineering from Rutgers University where he developed and patented a hydrogel biomaterial for use in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

Adam Bryan serves as Vice President and Business Unit Head for the Personalized Medicine team at Lonza. In his role, Adam leads a team focused on developing technology to address the unique manufacturing challenges facing cell and gene therapy developers. Lonza’s recently launched Cocoon platform is an automated, scalable, and flexible platform for integrated CGT manufacturing. Adam brings 15+ years of MedTech/Life Sciences leadership experience, spanning roles in commercial operations, strategy and corporate development, and investment banking. He has a passion for the cell and gene therapy space and the amazing work being done by therapy developers. He holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a bachelors degree in Finance from Brigham Young University.

Rob Tressler has authored over 30 peer-reviewed articles and publications and is an inventor on numerous patents. Previously he was the CSO at the San Diego Blood Bank and has held executive scientific roles at Geron, Inc. and Cellerant Therapuetics. Robert’s scientific focus is stem cell biology, oncology, and anti-aging. Robert achieved his Ph.D. from University of Texas in Cancer Biology and has a Masters Degree in Microbiology. He is a member of the American Association of Blood Banks, The International Society of Cell Therapy, and the American Society of Hematology.