This session explores how Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) — a research center in personalized medicine for oncology — collaborates with the Blood and Tissue Bank of Catalonia (BST) — developer of the GMP manufacturing process and quality control for the investigational cell therapy product — and with contract testing labs to manufacture and release retroviral vector and CAR-T cell therapies for Phase 1 trials. With patient treatment timelines at stake, managing the end-to-end supply chain — from cell collection to final QC release — is critical. Presenters will share how they align on logistics, testing, and communication to reduce delays and maintain compliance, highlighting a shared commitment to delivering personalized cell therapies safely and on time.
In this webinar, you will:
- Learn how the Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, CDMOs, and contract testing labs work together to streamline the retroviral vector and CAR-T supply chain from cell collection to therapy delivery.
- Gain insights into the critical role of quality control testing in retroviral vector and CAR-T therapy release, including best practices for ensuring compliance and maintaining patient safety throughout the process.
Speakers

Macarena Román Alonso, Ph.D.
Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO)
Post-doctoral Researcher
Macarena Román Alonso is a pharmacist and biotechnologist by training, and earned her Ph.D. in the laboratory of Dr. Joaquín Arribas at VHIO, where she has worked for the past six years. Her research focuses on the development of a first-in-human CAR-T therapy targeting HER2-positive solid tumors, leading the preclinical efforts. She serves as a link between the sponsor (VHIO) and the GMP manufacturing and QC partner (BST), overseeing the technology transfer process and contributing to the regulatory strategy.

Judy Cao, Ph.D.
Merck
Senior Strategic Business Development Specialist
Zhiyun (Judy) Cao, Ph.D., is a senior technical specialist. Judy joined Merck as a senior scientist in 2015, supporting the development of certified reference materials, later working as an account manager at Waters Corporation before returning to our company for her current role. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh, specializing in LC-MS biomarker identification for aging-related diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.
Pharma and biopharma manufacturing
- Pharma and biopharma manufacturing
Duration:1h
Language:English
Session 1:Tue, September 30, 2025 4:00 PM CEST
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