Genesis & Establishment

The 3^rd SACT, February 1-3, 2024, is envisioned to be one of the largest International Cell Therapy Meetings in the Asia-Pacific Region for 2024.

• Cell Therapy International Conference & Workshop Series, called 'Series in Advancements in Cell Therapy' (SACT), is a capacity-building initiative of the CAR T Cell Centre (CTCTC) at ACTREC, Tata Memorial Centre. SACT is an International Conference and Workshop Series comprising 12 events, conducted by the CTCTC in collaboration with Industry, forming a dynamic bridge between academia and industry, first of its kind in India in Cell therapy space.

• In the past few years, Cellular Immunotherapy has gained spotlight attraction due to its remarkable ability for curing patients. Currently, globally around 4000+ clinical trials are ongoing in the field of Cellular Immunotherapy itself. The first CAR-T cell therapy-Kymriah got its approval in the year 2017 after which successive CAR-T cell therapies have entered into market eventually after FDA approval. As of now there are 6 FDA approved CAR-T cell therapies with a lot of CAR-T therapies in the pipelines of various companies. SCK

• The CD19 CAR T cell initiative, a joint effort involving the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, and ImmunoACT, stands as a notable achievement. It is the inaugural domestically created program in India, marking a significant triumph and establishing itself as the benchmark for CAR T cell research in the country.

• CTCTC played a pivotal role in this pioneering journey, contributing from the inception of the idea to its realization at the patient's bedside. Throughout this process, CTCTC gained valuable experiences and insights across multiple dimensions of cell therapy, encompassing the establishment and operation of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facilities, preclinical and animal studies, optimization of cell processing, vector manufacturing, and the development of analytical assays. Throughout this expedition, the CTCTC team delved into innovative platforms, technologies, and assays for both the manufacturing and product development aspects of cell therapy. The team also engaged in the conceptualization and crafting of groundbreaking vectors and constructs within the realm of Discovery.

• Leveraging its pioneering expertise in CAR T Cell therapy and as a component of TMC's educational endeavors, CTCTC has launched the SACT platform. The aim is to expedite the advancement of cell therapy in India, fostering the exchange of information and enhanced resources among scientists and clinicians. Collaborating with esteemed Cell Therapy experts, the initiative seeks not only to disseminate knowledge but also to establish a strong network of professionals and researchers committed to catalyzing the growth of the field in India and the APAC region.

• The primary objective of SACT was to expedite progress in the field of Cell & Gene Therapy in India & APAC region. Given the burgeoning demand for CAR T and other Cell Therapies in the country, this conference seeks to address the challenges faced by scientists and clinicians hailing from both academic and industrial backgrounds, while also training the next generation workforce from Scientific and Clinical personnel that will create and implement newer therapies. The overarching goal is to bring together the entire ecosystem of Cell Therapy in India, nurturing relationships, fostering collaborations, sharing knowledge, and imparting practical training, all while remaining at the forefront of global developments in this field.

• The focus of the SACT event is to accelerate the field of cell therapy in India and create/share more information & and better resources with scientists & and clinicians in India with the help of esteemed Cell Therapy experts. It is a series of symposiums and workshops. This landmark event not only fosters knowledge dissemination but also lays the foundation for a robust network of professionals and researchers dedicated to driving the field's growth within our region. This achievement underscores my commitment to promoting collaborative learning environments and facilitating dialogue among diverse stakeholders.

• The Series was inaugurated earlier this year in January. We are delighted to report that the First Inaugural Event of SACT, was a resounding success, with over 200 on-site delegates and 500 online participants in attendance. It received positive feedback from all stakeholders in the Cell Therapy community. As we approach our 2^nd event scheduled for September 29^th - 30^th , we are happy to share that we have already received 220 on-site registrations and have gathered an expert faculty comprising 5 international and over 35 national speakers. We are glad to report, that SACT is steadily evolving into a pivotal platform where the Cell Therapy Industry takes centre stage, attracting global attention due to its rapid strides in new therapies, research and development, and manufacturing.