Regional Business Manager

Improving manufacturing reliability in cell and gene therapy: practical operational strategies. April 29, 2026 CDMO Services Cell Therapy Gene Therapy Viral Vectors Gain practical insight into how to improve manufacturing reliability, reduce cost per batch, and strengthen performance in cell and gene therapy programs. This webinar will demonstrate how structured assessment of materials, process steps, testing workflows, and operational handoffs reveals actionable opportunities to shorten timelines and reduce variability. Using real-world examples and techniques that can be applied across multiple therapy types and development stages, the session will show how early operational assessment and targeted workflow adjustments lead to measurable improvements. These include smoother transitions into GMP manufacturing, fewer late-stage process changes, and sustained success during routine production. Key takeaways * Learn how mapping the current state of a manufacturing program across materials, unit operations, testing, and handoffs reveals actionable opportunities to reduce cost, minimize variability, and improve right-first-time statistics * Understand how standardized workflows combined with expertise support smoother transitions into GMP manufacturing and reduce late-stage process changes * Review generalized case examples demonstrating reductions in cost per batch, improved manufacturing reliability, and sustained success during routine production * Gain a practical framework for evaluating your own program, identifying improvement priorities early, and working with partners to optimize processes without disrupting timelines About the speaker. Francesca Vitelli Vice President, Global Head of Process, Analytical Development and Innovation Francesca Vitelli, PhD, is a biotechnology leader with more than 20 years of experience in process and analytical development, manufacturing, and CMC strategy across cell and gene therapies. At Minaris Advanced Therapies, she leads global teams responsible for advancing innovative, platform-based manufacturing solutions for cell therapies and viral vectors, with a focus on de-risking CMC execution, enabling reliable GMP delivery, and accelerating the adoption of new technologies to improve scalability, robustness, and patient access. Previously, Dr. Vitelli served as Vice President at Intellia Therapeutics, where she led process development and manufacturing for both in vivo and ex vivo gene editing programs, expanding technical capabilities while driving operational efficiencies. Prior to Intellia, she held senior leadership roles at Lonza, where she launched large-scale viral vector manufacturing platforms and led cell therapy manufacturing for clinical and commercial-ready programs. Dr. Vitelli is recognized for her technical rigor, innovation-driven mindset, and ability to scale organizations through periods of rapid growth. She holds a PhD from the University of Siena. Related resources.

Intellia Therapeutics has reported its fiscal Q4 and full year 2025 financial results, with cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $605.1 million as of 31 December 2025, down from $861.7 million in the prior year. The company expects these funds to support operations into the second half of 2027, including through the anticipated US commercial launch of lonvo-z for hereditary angioedema. Collaboration revenue for Q4 reached $23.0 million, up from $12.9 million year-on-year, driven by $9.0 million from the termination of its licence agreement with SparingVision and increased cost reimbursements from its Regeneron collaboration. Research and development expenses fell to $88.7 million from $116.9 million in the prior year period. The clinical-stage company develops genome editing therapeutics using CRISPR/Cas9 technology.