193: Viral Vector CDMO Mastery: Singapore's Answer to Cell and Gene Therapy Supply Shortages with Lucas Chan - Part 1

Viral vectors are the backbone of cutting-edge cell and gene therapies, delivering life-altering treatments to patients with genetic diseases. But making these biological delivery vehicles is a high-wire act: unpredictable, complex, and fraught with hurdles that traditional biologics manufacturers have never faced.While the world races toward next-generation therapies, the challenge of producing viral vectors at clinical and commercial scale threatens to leave patients waiting on the sidelines.Our guest on the Smart Biotech Scientist Podcast is Lucas Chan, a molecular and cell biologist with over two decades of hands-on experience in cell and gene therapy development. From his formative research at Imperial College London, where he pioneered novel viral vector cell lines, to building the UK’s first GMP clinical viral vector core and later founding CellVec Pte Ltd Asia Pacific CDMO in Singapore, Lucas is the go-to architect for manufacturing viral vectors where infrastructure barely exists.Along the way, he’s faced and overcome challenges few others could imagine.Here are three reasons this episode is a must-listen:Viral Vectors Demystified: Lucas breaks down a common misconception: viral vectors aren’t malignant viruses, but genetically disarmed delivery vehicles that can’t revert or replicate, making them safe tools for gene therapy.Manufacturing Mayhem Made Manageable: Unlike monoclonal antibodies and other biologics, viral vectors (and other cell and gene therapies) are made in living cells, leading to a level of process unpredictability and complexity where “everything, everywhere, all at once” applies. Success hinges on scientific acumen and attention to even the smallest detail, from raw materials to equipment parameters, to ensure patient safety and product quality.Pioneering in Uncharted Territory: Moving from London to Singapore, Lucas faced not just technical but regulatory and logistical challenges to founding Asia-Pacific’s first CDMO dedicated to viral vectors. His advice: engage regulators early, leverage local biomanufacturing strengths, and build multidisciplinary teams to transfer and scale bioprocess know-how.Curious how viral vector manufacturing can be reimagined to unlock the full promise of cell and gene therapies? Listen to this episode and gain unique insights into the science, strategy, and sheer determination needed to bring advanced therapies out of the lab and into the clinic.Connect with Lucas Chan:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lucaschangtNext step:Book a 20-minute call to help you get started on any questions you may have about bioprocessing analytics: https://bruehlmann-consulting.com/callPreparing for your IND? We’re building a CMC Dashboard in Excel to help biotech founders track tasks, timelines, and risks in one place. Join the waitlist for early access at https://scale-your-impact.notion.site/27dd9c6ba679804b80a7ce439d56c91a?pvs=105One bad CDMO decision can cost you two years and your Series A. If you're navigating tech transfer, CDMO selection, or IND prep, let's talk before it gets expensive. Two slots open this month.Support the show