The Barcelona Blueprint for Scaling CAR-T Collection
August 18, 2026 | By Various Contributors
How can cell therapy collection networks scale without duplicating infrastructure, resources, and quality systems?
In this new joint case study, Barcelona Cell Therapy Services / Banc de Sang i Teixits (BCTS) and SCTbio explore one of Europe's most established hub-and-spoke models for CAR-T starting-material collection. Together, we examine how centralized quality oversight, standardized workflows, and coordinated hospital networks can support growth while maintaining operational consistency.
📥 Download our case study to discover practical lessons for CGT developers, healthcare providers, and advanced therapy stakeholders.
What You'll Learn
🎯 Centralizing for Scale
Discover why expanding CAR-T starting-material collection relies heavily on centralizing quality systems, training, and qualification, rather than just indiscriminately adding more hospital sites.
🏗️ Building on Proven Foundations
Learn how adapting an existing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) framework into a resilient cell and gene therapy platform drastically reduced implementation timelines and avoided redundant investments.
📊 Sustaining High-Volume Operations
See how the network seamlessly managed a massive increase in both collections and site initiation visits while keeping operational performance steady.
💡 Coordination Over Quantity
Explore why successful clinical translation depends just as much on operational readiness, shared standard operating procedures, and central coordination as it does on scientific progress.
About the Network
Jesus Fernandez-Sojo is Director of the Cell Processing Laboratory at the Catalan Blood and Tissue Bank in Barcelona, Spain, coordinating 11 transplant centers and 9 HSCT collection centers. Since 2016, the network has performed over 1,000 CAR-T starting material collections and managed 115 site initiation visits. The model has been published in Cytotherapy (2022) and presented at international conferences.
This case study is based on insights from SCTbio’s webinar on global apheresis network management for cell and gene therapies. Watch the full discussion on demand to explore further.
Have a challenge to solve? Let's talk!
If you’re looking for cGMP cell manufacturing, viral vectors, process development, or end-to-end CDMO support our team is happy to talk through your questions and support your next steps.
or visit us at www.sctbio.com
Want to learn more?
This case study is part of our ongoing series exploring SCTbio’s expertise, real-world case studies, and key market trends shaping cell and gene therapy development. Take a look at our past publications for practical insights into our different ATMP programs and platforms:
