Commercializing Living Therapies with CCRM

Featuring:

Alán Aspuru-Guzik, PhD, Director, Acceleration Consortium, Professor of Chemistry, Professor of Computer Science, Professor of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty Member, Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto; CIFAR AI Chair, Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence; Senior Director of Quantum Chemistry, NVIDIA 

Martin Roetteler, PhD, Vice President of Quantum Applications R&D, IonQ

***

Quantum computing is emerging as a potentially powerful tool for advancing life sciences, but what could it mean for cell and gene therapies (CGTs)? In this episode of Commercializing Living Therapies with CCRM, host Krista Lamb speaks with Alán Aspuru-Guzik and Martin Roetteler about the rapidly evolving intersection of quantum computing, artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology.

The discussion begins with the fundamentals: What is quantum computing and how does it differ from classical computing; and, how does it compare with, and work alongside, AI. Our guests explore why this technological shift is gaining momentum in biotech and life sciences now, and where quantum computing can deliver value across the development and manufacturing of advanced therapies. Topics include potential applications in CGTs, quantum-enhanced bioprocessing, disease modelling, simulation and other complex optimization challenges.

Looking ahead, Drs. Aspuru-Guzik and Roetteler discuss the hurdles to conquer before quantum computing becomes more widely adopted in advanced therapies, as well as what to consider when exploring this emerging technology. The interview also delves into how to communicate the potential value of quantum computing to patients. The episode offers a practical look at where quantum computing may fit into the future of advanced therapies, and why collaboration between quantum experts and life sciences specialists will be critical to realizing its potential. 

Thanks for listening to Commercializing Living Therapies with CCRM. Spread the word about this episode by taking a screen cap on your device and posting it to social media using the hashtag #CCRMpodcast. Please leave us a review on your favourite streaming service. Find more episodes at ccrm.ca/podcast.

CCRM received the 2025 William Edmond Logan Award for excellence in science communications for this podcast and its award-winning blog, Signals.

Featuring: 

Bambi Grilley, Professor at Baylor College of Medicine, President-Elect for the International Society of Cell and Gene Therapy

Staci Arnold, Professor of Pediatrics at Emory University, and Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

***

Access to cell and gene therapies (CGTs) remains uneven around the world, particularly for patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In this episode of Commercializing Living Therapies with CCRM, host Krista Lamb speaks with Bambi Grilley and Staci Arnold, MD, about what it will take to make advanced therapies more accessible globally.

The conversation explores the economic, manufacturing, delivery and regulatory challenges that can make it difficult to bring these therapies to LMICs. Bambi and Staci discuss potential solutions, including innovative approaches to manufacturing and delivery, regulatory considerations, public-private partnerships and other models that could help expand access. They also examine the important role of patients and health-focused non-governmental organizations in driving change and supporting more equitable access.

The need for access is particularly urgent in areas such as cancer, where advanced therapies can offer transformative treatment options. Bambi and Staci share their perspectives on why this issue matters, what progress is being made and the developments that give them hope for the future. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion about building a more equitable global landscape for cell and gene therapies.

Thanks for listening to Commercializing Living Therapies with CCRM. Spread the word about this episode by taking a screen cap on your device and posting it to social media using the hashtag #CCRMpodcast. Please leave us a review on your favourite streaming service. Find more episodes at ccrm.ca/podcast.

CCRM received the 2025 William Edmond Logan Award for excellence in science communications for this podcast and its award-winning blog, Signals.

Featuring:

Katy Spink, President and COO, Managing Partner, Dark Horse Consulting Group

Craig Beasley, Chief Technology Officer (CMC & Device), BlueRock Therapeutics

***

Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) is often viewed as a regulatory requirement, but could it also be one of the biggest competitive advantages for a cell or gene therapy company? In this episode, host Krista Lamb sits down with Katy Spink and Craig Beasley to explore why CMC should be considered a strategic business function from the earliest stages of development. 

The conversation covers what CMC means in the context of advanced therapies, how a CMC strategy should evolve from discovery through commercialization, and the common pitfalls companies face when they treat CMC as an afterthought.

Katy and Craig also discuss how regulators’ expectations are changing, the trade-offs between building internal expertise and leveraging external partners, and why investing in robust CMC capabilities can help companies reduce risk, accelerate development and build long-term value. 

Thanks for listening to Commercializing Living Therapies with CCRM. Spread the word about this episode by taking a screen cap on your device and posting it to social media using the hashtag #CCRMpodcast. Please leave us a review on your favourite streaming service. Find more episodes at ccrm.ca/podcast.

CCRM received the 2025 William Edmond Logan Award for excellence in science communications for this podcast and its award-winning blog, Signals.

Featuring:

Megan Munsie, PhD, Group Leader, Stem Cell Ethics & Policy, Stem Cell Medicine, Murdoch Children's Research Institute; Prepare Theme Lead, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine, reNEW; Professor Emerging Technology (Stem Cells), Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne

Samantha Yammine, PhD, neuroscientist, science communicator and digital media creator

***

In this episode, our host, Krista Lamb, speaks with Drs. Megan Munsie and Samantha Yammine about mis- and disinformation in the cell and gene therapy industry. They discuss why the cell and gene therapy field is especially vulnerable to misleading claims and the challenge of separating legitimate progress from hype.

The conversation explores the risks of dis- and misinformation, including public confusion, false expectations and moving from harm to trust in legitimate science. They also examine how regulation, international differences and artificial intelligence can both complicate and potentially support better information sharing.

Looking ahead, the guests consider what industry professionals, companies and regulators can do to respond more effectively. They emphasize responsible communication, stronger public education and cautious optimism about improving trust in the field.

Thanks for listening to Commercializing Living Therapies with CCRM. Spread the word about this episode by taking a screen cap on your device and posting it to social media using the hashtag #CCRMpodcast. Please leave us a review on your favourite streaming service. Find more episodes at ccrm.ca/podcast.

CCRM received the 2025 William Edmond Logan Award for excellence in science communications for this podcast and its award-winning blog, Signals.

Featuring:

Molly Shoichet, PhD, O.C., O. Ont., FRS, University Professor and Pamela & Paul Austin Chair in Precision & Regenerative Medicine, University of Toronto

Audrey Greenberg, MBA, CEO & Founder, AG Capital Advisors

***

In this engaging episode of “Commercializing Living Therapies with CCRM,” we sit down with two leaders in the life sciences field: Molly Shoichet, a biomedical engineer and University Professor at the University of Toronto, and Audrey Greenberg, Founder and Managing Partner, AG Capital Advisors. Together, they bring a wealth of experience in commercializing scientific breakthroughs and building the infrastructure needed to bring transformative therapies to market. 

Our guests explore some of the most exciting advances in cell and gene therapies today, including technologies with the potential to significantly impact patient outcomes. They also share insights into the companies they’re watching, the challenges and opportunities facing the field, and the evolving role of AI and automation in accelerating innovation. With practical advice on commercialization and reflections on public-private partnerships, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the future of regenerative medicine.

Thanks for listening to Commercializing Living Therapies with CCRM. Spread the word about this episode by taking a screen cap on your device and posting it to social media using the hashtag #CCRMpodcast. Please leave us a review on your favourite streaming service. Find more episodes at ccrm.ca/podcast.

CCRM received the 2025 William Edmond Logan Award for excellence in science communications for this podcast and its award-winning blog, Signals.

Reni Benjamin, Managing Director, Healthcare Equity Research at Citizens

Brock Reeve, CEO and Co-founder, Eos BioInnovation

***

In this episode of Commercializing Living Therapies with CCRM, host Krista Lamb speaks with Reni Benjamin and Brock Reeve about the current financial landscape for cell and gene therapies (CGTs). They explore the unique dynamics companies face, from securing funding to navigating regulatory hurdles, and discuss how investors assess risks and opportunities in the field. While recent headlines suggest industry struggles, our guests provide a deeper look at what these headlines really mean for the sector’s future. 

The interview covers the promising developments that the field continues to see , including positive clinical trial results and major acquisitions that signal stronger investor interest. Reni and Brock discuss how pricing strategies, market access and reimbursement models shape the financial outlook for CGT companies. They also highlight key trends that could influence the industry’s next phase of growth. As the conversation unfolds, they share their perspectives on what excites them most about the future of regenerative medicine.

Whether you’re an investor, industry professional, or simply curious about the business side of CGT, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving financial landscape of this innovative sector. 

Thanks for listening to Commercializing Living Therapies with CCRM. Spread the word about this episode by taking a screen cap on your device and posting it to social media using the hashtag #CCRMpodcast. Please leave us a review on your favourite streaming service. Find more episodes at ccrm.ca/podcast.

CCRM received the 2025 William Edmond Logan Award for excellence in science communications for this podcast and its award-winning blog, Signals.

Featuring:

Silvio Tiziani, CEO, CCRM Australia

Sarah Callens, CTO, CCRM Nordic

***

In this episode of Commercializing Living Therapies with CCRM, Silvio Tiziani, CEO, CCRM Australia, and Sarah Callens, CTO, CCRM Nordic, explore the opportunities and challenges of commercializing regenerative medicines, including cell and gene therapies, in their respective regions. While scientific discoveries abound, barriers such as regulatory hurdles, funding gaps and infrastructure limitations can slow the path to commercialization. Our guests provide insights into these obstacles and share what makes their regions well-positioned for success in this transformative field. 

In addition, we hear how global collaboration can accelerate the development and commercialization of these therapies. Silvio and Sarah highlight the strengths of the CCRM model and its potential to guide other regions looking to build thriving regenerative medicine (RM) ecosystems. As they look to the future, they share their goals, their excitement about the industry’s evolution, and the key factors that will shape the next generation of RM innovations.

Thanks for listening to Commercializing Living Therapies with CCRM. Spread the word about this episode by taking a screen cap on your device and posting it to social media using the hashtag #CCRMpodcast. Please leave us a review on your favourite streaming service. Find more episodes at ccrm.ca/podcast.

CCRM received the 2025 William Edmond Logan Award for excellence in science communications for this podcast and its award-winning blog, Signals.

Featuring:

Durhane Wong-Rieger, PhD, President and CEO, Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders

Jacqueline Barry, PhD, Chief Clinical Officer, Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult

***

In this episode, we dive into the critical topic of enabling patient access to cell and gene therapies with two leaders in the field. Jacqueline Barry, an expert in the development and adoption of advanced therapies, shares her insights on the challenges involved with bringing innovative treatments to patients, from regulatory hurdles to affordability concerns. Durhane Wong-Rieger, an advocate for people living with rare diseases, discusses the unique barriers faced by patients with these conditions and the limited treatment options available for many rare disorders.

Together, our guests explore potential solutions to improve access to care, highlighting the importance of collaboration between industry, stakeholders, governments and healthcare providers. They address the pressing issue of cost and discuss how industry is working to make these transformative treatments more affordable and more widely available. The conversation also touches on efforts to expand access beyond North America and the U.K., where the need for advanced therapies is significant but often unmet.

As the field of regenerative medicine continues to evolve, Drs. Barry and Wong-Rieger reflect on the developments that inspire optimism for the future. From innovative technologies to new models of partnership, they share their thoughts on future progress and the changes they believe will make a lasting impact on patient care. 

Thanks for listening to Commercializing Living Therapies with CCRM. Spread the word about this episode by taking a screen cap on your device and posting it to social media using the hashtag #CCRMpodcast. Please leave us a review on your favourite streaming service. Find more episodes at ccrm.ca/podcast.

CCRM received the 2025 William Edmond Logan Award for excellence in science communications for this podcast and its award-winning blog, Signals.

Featuring:

Paul Knoepfler, PhD, Professor of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, UC Davis School of Medicine

Amy Zarzeczny, PhD LLM, Associate Professor, Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, University of Regina

***

Unapproved stem cell therapies continue to be a significant concern in the regenerative medicine field. In this episode, Drs. Paul Knoepfler and Amy Zarzeczny discuss the issue. Listeners will hear the risks and implications of these treatments, and why they are not just a problem abroad but also in North America. Our guests discuss the medical dangers of these therapies, and the potential for them to erode public trust in science. 

Desperation often drives patients to seek unapproved treatments. Drs. Knoepfler and Zarzeczny explore how professionals in the field can better communicate safety concerns without alienating patients and they highlight the role of regulation in addressing this issue. The experts also share what companies and governments can do to help educate the public.

This insightful conversation sheds light on the challenges and opportunities for improving patient safety and addressing this growing issue.

Thanks for listening to Commercializing Living Therapies with CCRM. Spread the word about this episode by taking a screen cap on your device and posting it to social media using the hashtag #CCRMpodcast. Please leave us a review on your favourite streaming service. Find more episodes at ccrm.ca/podcast.

CCRM received the 2025 William Edmond Logan Award for excellence in science communications for this podcast and its award-winning blog, Signals.

Featuring:

Christopher P. Boone, PhD, Group Vice President, Research Services, Health & Life Sciences, Oracle

Kenneth L. Harris, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of AI, OmniaBio Inc. 

***

We are excited to share the first episode in the fourth season (!) of Commercializing Living Therapies with CCRM. A big thanks to all our listeners.

In this episode, we explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are shaping the biomanufacturing facility of the future. Our guests discuss the technologies behind automation, including robotics, AI and machine learning, and how they play a role in development and manufacturing facilities for cell and gene therapies. They also cover the impact of these technologies on resolving challenges, like production bottlenecks, cost management and consistent quality control. As well, they illuminate how these technologies can affect both patients and clinicians. 

The episode concludes by highlighting some key considerations, including the importance of implementing change management activities as biomanufacturers bring both their organizations and customers along as their facilities evolve, as well as the need to upskill and reskill talent, and to collaborate with experts, to support scalability. 

Thanks for listening to Commercializing Living Therapies with CCRM. Spread the word about this episode by taking a screen cap on your device and posting it to social media using the hashtag #CCRMpodcast. Please leave us a review on your favourite streaming service. Find more episodes at ccrm.ca/podcast.

CCRM received the 2025 William Edmond Logan Award for excellence in science communications for this podcast and its award-winning blog, Signals.