Breaking down barriers: Bringing advanced therapies to patients worldwide

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

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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.

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