The fast growth of cell and gene therapies has made it difficult for the global industry to keep up with talent requirements. The volume of clinical trials around the world—approximately 1,200 at this time1—puts pressure on manufacturers to scale-up the production of cells and viral vectors. CellCAN, a knowledge mobilization network in cell and gene therapies (CGTs), and CCRM, a leader in developing and commercializing regenerative medicine-based technologies and CGTs, are responding to that challenge by launching the Canadian Advanced Therapies Training Institute (CATTI).

“It requires tremendous expertise, under good manufacturing practice (GMP) conditions, to produce cell and gene therapies,” said Michael May, president and CEO, CCRM. “The Canadian government has invested $2 billion into the biomanufacturing sector. We need to build a large, trained workforce in Canada to meet the needs of the industry and future biomanufacturing demands. CATTI’s learning pathway will ensure this happens and provide people for jobs. CellCAN has been perfecting its training program for years, and we are excited to partner with them on this crucial initiative.”

Vanessa Laflamme, chief operating officer of CellCAN and CEO of CATTI, said, “CATTI will address a critical and unmet need in Canada by creating highly-qualified personnel who are certified under GMP and qualified for workflow under aseptic conditions to manufacture cancer immunotherapies, cell and gene therapies, vaccines and other biotherapeutic applications. CCRM has expertise in GMP manufacturing and a track record of building specialized teams and infrastructure, so they’re the ideal partner for us.”

The Institute offers e-learning à la carte courses and predefined e-learning paths, and will soon offer on-site hands-on training and tailored training. It is leveraging Canadian strengths in artificial intelligence, serious games and virtual training to offer students innovative training solutions to the global field. By incorporating interactive hands-on training, both on-site and in a virtual context, CATTI can offer a superior training program to a greater number of people. The focus on maximizing training efficiencies reduces the time required to reach autonomy and deliver the most qualified work-ready talent to the job site.

CATTI has been recognized as a training provider for the Next Generation (NGen) Advanced Manufacturing AmpUp program. It provides financial support for employees of NGen member companies (membership is free) to enroll in skills development and certification programs offered by established trainers, like CATTI. The Advanced Therapies GMP Onboarding is offered to NGen members at half the cost. Some Canadian facilities are already benefiting from the program.

Canadian and international GMP facility experts and industry thought leaders are supporting curriculum development.