3 Key Bottlenecks In Cell Therapy Supply Chains

As the number of clinical trials in gene and cell therapy surpasses 1,900 globally, attention is turning toward the readiness of the supply chain to support large-scale manufacturing. The cell therapy ecosystem faces critical challenges in three key areas: material sourcing, logistics, and manufacturing capacity. Sourcing consistent, high-quality biological materials — such as leukopaks and defined cell culture media — remains difficult due to donor variability, complex composition, and regulatory requirements. Logistics are equally strained by the global nature of component sourcing and strict cold-chain requirements, making the system vulnerable to disruptions. Manufacturing capacity, meanwhile, is hindered by infrastructure costs, equipment shortages, and a lack of trained personnel, particularly among smaller organizations.

These converging issues suggest persistent bottlenecks that may impact the pace at which therapies reach patients. While some companies are scaling up capabilities, structural constraints across the supply chain raise pressing questions about the industry's long-term scalability and resilience.

Ensure your cell therapy program is prepared for the future by partnering with experts who can help you navigate sourcing, logistics, and manufacturing challenges with confidence.