How do I save cell therapy product's storage space?

BACKGROUND:

Availability of liquid nitrogen (LN2) freezer storage space is a major challenge for many transplant programs as they continue to grow and accumulate products. The recent trend of allogeneic grafts cryopreservation that started during the COVID-19 pandemic, made the situation even worse requiring an increase in storage capacity. Multi-compartment cryopreservation bags can help save storage space but can be tricky to use. Here, we describe the validation of muti-compartment cryopreservation bags for the purpose of donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) aliquots.

METHODS:

We validated the use of five compartment cryobags for cryopreservation of cell therapy products. Four products were cryopreserved using these bags and each compartment was tested post-thaw for product volume distribution, total cell count recovery, and viability. Additionally, the integrity of both bag compartments and labels was assessed as well.

RESULTS:

All tested specimens met post-thaw viability and TNC recovery acceptability criteria. Fill volume was optimized at 24-25 mL for acceptable volume distribution between aliquots. With proper heat sealing between compartments, all aliquots retain their integrity and cryopreservation labels were adherent and legible.

CONCLUSIONS:

Muti-compartment bags can be used successfully for cryopreservation of cell therapy products and increase storage capacity.