AABB Publishes Special Transfusion Journal Supplement on Biotherapies

The Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies published a special biotherapies-focused supplement of its peer-reviewed journal Transfusion titled “Evolving Biotherapies: Stakeholders, Solutions, and the Science of Tomorrow,” aabb.org reported. Published in August, the supplemental issue contains 12 peer-reviewed articles written by experts from the aabb community.

Special Supplement Explores Advanced Cellular Therapies

The supplemental issue marks the first time Transfusion has dedicated a special supplement specifically to biotherapies. Aabb.org reported that the publication highlights the evolving roles of transfusion medicine, cellular starting material, cord blood, immune effector cell therapies, community-based and point-of-care manufacturing, and health-system pharmacy integration. Additional topics covered in the issue include quality and accreditation, artificial intelligence, and global standardization.

Biospectrumasia.com reported that the publication explores the regulatory, manufacturing, informatics, and patient access considerations shaping the growing field. The supplemental issue is supported by Vitalant, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit blood and biotherapies healthcare organizations. Vitalant sponsored the publication to ensure all 12 articles remain freely accessible to readers for two years following publication.

Leaders Highlight Clinical Translation and Community Delivery

Aabb.org reported that Suzanne Thibodeaux, MD, PhD, CABP(H), from Washington University School of Medicine and a member of the AABB Board of Directors, served as the guest editor for the supplement.This supplement highlights the innovation occurring across our field while reinforcing AABB’s commitment to advancing the science, manufacturing and clinical application of these therapies,

Jose Cancelas, MD, PhD, CABP, president of AABB

Cancelas added that the collection showcases advances in CAR-T cell therapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, gene-modified cells, and manufacturing innovations, according to aabb.org. Jeff Wren, vice president of biotherapies at AABB, noted that the issue addresses how cell and gene therapies can be delivered safely in community settings.That is the connection AABB is uniquely positioned to make,

Jeff Wren, CABP, vice president of biotherapies at AABB

Vitalant Contributions Shape Editorial Content

Biospectrumasia.com reported that several articles in the supplement were contributed by key opinion leaders from Vitalant. Kevin Land, M.D. of Vitalant and Eric Gehrie, M.D. of the New York Blood Center authored a contribution examining the evolving role of transfusion medicine in advanced cellular therapies. Another Vitalant-authored piece explores the application of artificial intelligence and informatics in biotherapies, while additional articles analyze pharmacy integration and quality accreditation for community-based programmes. Becky Cap, senior vice president of biotherapies at Vitalant, stated that the organization supported the supplement to foster education across the broader biotherapies space.Becky Cap, Senior Vice President of Biotherapies at Vitalant