Commercializing Living Therapies with CCRM

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 .

Featuring: Jacki Jenuth, PhD, Partner and COO, Lumira Ventures Robin Quirk, PhD MBA, Vice President, Technology Sourcing and Venture Development, CCRM *** In this episode, we explore the dynamics of venture capital (VC) and company creation with Jacki Jenuth, Partner and COO, Lumira Ventures, and Robin Quirk, Vice President, Technology Sourcing and Venture Development, CCRM. The conversation covers the essence of venture capital funding, from how VCs evaluate investment potential to crucial considerations for founders who are attracting investment during product development. We also discuss red flags and common pitfalls for founders seeking funding along with the current enthusiasm among VCs for investing in cell and gene therapies. Our guests explain the strategy of bundling technologies to create stronger companies. The episode concludes with a glimpse into exciting projects and investments in the cell and gene therapy space, highlighting the ongoing innovation and opportunities in this 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: Michael Rosu-Myles, PhD, Executive Director, Health Canada Josephine Lembong, PhD, Senior Manager, Science and Industry Affairs, Alliance for Regenerative Medicine *** Currently, there are more than 2,000 cell and gene therapies in clinical trials worldwide. With a goal of ensuring that safe and quality products are approved for use by patients, regulators determine whether these innovative therapies move from the lab to market. In this interview, Michael Rosu-Myles, PhD, Executive Director, Health Canada, and Josephine Lembong, PhD, Senior Manager, Science and Industry Affairs, Alliance for Regenerative Medicine, provide listeners with an exclusive look at how regulators are preparing for an increased number of applications for cell and gene therapy products in the years to come. Our guests discuss how Health Canada, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency have created new regulatory frameworks and offices to enhance their ability to review cell and gene therapy submissions. Listeners will learn how companies that are planning a submission can prepare to work successfully with regulators, whether regulators consider the potential price tags of these therapies, and how patients benefit from regulators’ work. 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: Sonia Sennik, Executive Director, Creative Destruction Lab Glenn MacLean, Director, Technology Sourcing and Venture Development, CCRM *** In many science-oriented fields, including regenerative medicine and advanced therapies, researchers and company founders often require additional support and expertise to successfully commercialize their discoveries. With a mission of enhancing the commercialization of science for the betterment of humankind, Creative Destruction Lab is a valuable resource for start-up founders to help de-risk their business and maximize their probability of success. Its Advanced Therapies stream supports founders solving biological, medical and healthcare problems using innovative applications of cell and gene therapies, and other biological products. In this interview, Sonia Sennik, Executive Director, Creative Destruction Lab, and Glenn MacLean, Director, Technology Sourcing and Venture Development, CCRM, discuss how Creative Destruction Lab’s processes and mentors can help drive a discovery to the market. Our guests explain the practical steps and tactics, and also discuss the program’s potential future impact on Canada’s regenerative medicine and advanced therapies 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: Matthew Durdy, Chief Executive Officer, Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult Michael May, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer, CCRM *** Public-private partnerships are collaborations between government agencies and private-sector companies. In this interview, Matthew Durdy, CEO, Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, and Michael May, President and CEO, CCRM, explain how these collaborations have had an impact in the regenerative medicine sector by advancing cell and gene therapies along the commercialization pathway. Our guests share highlights from their organizations, including the types of partners they have worked with, and the infrastructure and facilities they have helped to create. The interview concludes with a discussion of how public-private partnerships will benefit patients in the future by improving the factors that lead to market access and adoption, such as developing markets, promoting acceptability, reducing the cost of goods, and enabling the supply chain. 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: Matthew Miller, B.M.Sc., PhD, Director, Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research; Co-Director, Canadian Pandemic Preparedness Hub (CP2H), McMaster University Patrycja Thompson, PhD, Director, Strategy & Operations, the Canadian Hub for Health Intelligence & Innovation in Infectious Diseases (HI3), University of Toronto *** The COVID-19 pandemic illuminated a need to scale up Canada’s biomanufacturing capacity. As a response, the Government of Canada established new research and innovation hubs at five Canadian universities. These hubs aim to combine the strengths of academia, industry, and the public and not-for-profit sectors to jointly improve pandemic readiness and enhance the nation’s biomanufacturing and life sciences [SJ1] . In this episode, we explore two of the five hubs. Matthew Miller, B.M.Sc., PhD, speaks to the Canadian Pandemic Preparedness Hub, led by the University of Ottawa and McMaster University, while Patrycja Thompson, PhD, covers the Canadian Hub for Health Intelligence & Innovation in Infectious Diseases, led by the University of Toronto. As our guests discuss how these multidisciplinary research hubs are accelerating the research and development of next-generation vaccines and therapeutics, including cell and gene therapies, listeners will also learn how they support training and development to expand the pipeline of skilled talent. Plus, hear what our guests are excited about as they look to the future of the hubs program and the field as a whole. 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: Mamatha Bhat MD, MSc, PhD, FRCPC Hepatologist & Co-Lead of Transplant AI initiative (TAI), Ajmera Transplant Program Scientist, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network Associate Professor, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology Director, Clinician-Scientist Training Program (CSTP), Department of Medicine, University of Toronto Partnerships & Engagement Lead, Temerty Centre for AI in Research & Education in Medicine (T-CAIREM); Faculty Affiliate, Vector Julie Audet, PhD, PEng, Professor Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto *** Although artificial intelligence (AI) is a hot topic right now, many professionals working in the regenerative medicine field may not be aware of how it is already being used to support cell and gene therapies. In this episode, Mamatha Bhat MD, PhD, FRCPC, and Julie Audet, PhD, PEng, discuss the ways that AI is being used in the life sciences and health care field, as well as in their work. Additionally, our guests highlight some positive and promising research findings that reveal how AI can be used in the regenerative medicine field, and how AI can support the manufacturing of cell and gene therapies. And addressing the concern we all have, our guests consider the possible impacts of AI on jobs in the regenerative medicine field, as well as the potential effects of AI on living therapies more broadly. 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: Tom Whitehead, Co-Founder, Emily Whitehead Foundation. Courtney Horvath, PhD, Global Head of Strategy, Planning & Operations, Translational Medicine, Novartis. In this episode, we hear from two parents who supported their children through cancer treatments. Listeners will hear their unflinching accounts of what the children went through, underlining the urgent need for access to innovative and less toxic treatments. Tom is the co-founder of the Emily Whitehead Foundation, named after his daughter Emily, who was the first child in the world to have her immune system trained to beat cancer through a CAR T-cell clinical trial. Since this experience, Tom and his family have dedicated themselves to paying it forward and helping other families achieve the same outcomes. Dr. Horvath’s son, Colby, was diagnosed with low-risk lymphoma at eight years old. Doctors advised that there was a 90 per cent chance of a cure if Colby underwent frontline treatment, which consisted of two-and-a-half years of intensive chemotherapy. As a toxicologist, Dr. Horvath admits that she had difficulty accepting the level of toxicity associated with this treatment regimen. She has become a tireless advocate in the pharmaceutical community about what the current standard of care means for children with cancer. 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: Dr. Joerg Krueger, Medical Director, CAR T-Cell Program, The Hospital for Sick Children. Dr. Bruce Levine, Barbara and Edward Netter Professor in Cancer Gene Therapy, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. Our guests discuss the future of CAR T-cell therapies, in a conversation covering autologous and allogeneic CAR T therapies. Drs. Krueger and Levine share their thoughts on which of these two approaches is likely to pull ahead in the years to come, while acknowledging some of the challenges that will need to be overcome for each, including donor-to-donor variability. Also examined are the differences in adult and pediatric treatment options, along with the complexity involved in manufacturing CAR T cells. Recent advances in the area of solid tumours are highlighted, ending on a note that looks to the future of immunotherapy with warranted optimism. 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: Mark Taylor, Director of Commercialization, University Health Network Dr. Irja Elliott Donaghue Technical & IP Specialist and Patent Agent, Notch Therapeutics In the past, there was little evidence to challenge the idea that if a therapeutics developer did not hold a patent, it did not have anything to commercialize. In this episode, guests outline how the regenerative medicine industry changed that, proving the belief to be outdated, with some innovation being better protected by developers taking a “trade secrets” approach. Listen to hear guests examine intellectual property and commercialization issues in cell and gene therapies, with discussion of the complexities around the long-running patent battle over CRISPR technology, which has garnered international headlines in the last couple of years. Also discussed is how to protect and publish research, and the importance of having discussions with commercialization teams early in the technology development process. 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: Dr. Dolores Baksh, CEO of TAAV Biomanufacturing Solutions Susan Nichols, Chief Business Officer at ViroCell Biologics As the cell and gene therapy industry continues to grow rapidly, Dolores Baksh and Susan Nichols emphasize the importance of nurturing a new workforce equipped with the skills to pivot and persevere—crucial qualities for the industry to grow. Join our guests as they discuss the significance of mentorship in the cell and gene therapy space, which mentorship programs they recommend, and hear why they feel an obligation to “pay it forward” to the next generation of leaders. The conversation touches on the power of mentorship at any career stage and how mentorship can be mutually beneficial. Ready to be a mentor or mentee? Listen and find out where to start. 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: Dr. Lise Munsie, Vice President, iPSC Technology Platform, CCRM Dr. Stephen Sullivan, Programme Manager, Global Alliance for iPSC Therapies (GAiT) Drs. Lise Munsie and Stephen Sullivan explore some of the biggest challenges that will need to be addressed to unlock the potential of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), from regulatory issues to quality assurance and safety. Listen to hear about the proactive approach CCRM takes with its iPSC Excellence Team. You’ll also hear why having a central, international resource for organizations developing therapies from clinical-grade iPSCs is key for the cell and gene therapy industry, and how GAiT delivers this. This wide-ranging episode touches on the importance of contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) in bridging “professional silos;” global equity-of-access to these technologies as they move closer to the clinic; and the importance of diversity in clinical trials to ensure no patient group is left behind. 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 .