#USA #Immunotherapy #Franklin Lakes #Becton Dickinson #Penn Institute

Collaboration for Immunotherapy Advancements

On December 18, 2025, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a globally recognized leader in medical technology, announced a promising partnership with the Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) at the University of Pennsylvania. This strategic collaboration aims to push the boundaries of research in immune profiling through sophisticated flow cytometry methods, ultimately enhancing the development and efficacy of immune-mediated therapies.

The focal point of this partnership is the creation of a high-parameter flow cytometry panel designed to discern crucial functional pathways in whole blood. This includes analyzing phosphorylation markers which gives vital insights into single-cell responses to various drugs or disease states. A significant element of this initiative is a planned 1,000-patient immune profiling study, scheduled to kick off this summer, in collaboration with the Penn Colton Center for Autoimmunity.

The project will utilize cutting-edge technologies from BD, including the FACSDiscover™ A8 Cell Analyzer and BD Rhapsody™ System, alongside robust reagents, software, and informatics solutions. The BD teams will manage the necessary reagents, instruments, and spectral data algorithms, while the I3H teams will lead the scientific and clinical aspects of the research. Anticipation is building as the teams expect to publish peer-reviewed findings detailing the outcomes of their study.

Dr. E. John Wherry, the director of I3H, articulated the significance of this collaboration by saying, “This project demonstrates the power of collaboration between academia and industry. We are bringing together cross-functional experts to transform human immune profiling for maximum impact, enabling deeper insights from our immune cells that could accelerate the development of precise medical treatments.”

This partnership embodies a mutual ambition to unlock the latent potential of the human immune system, propelling further advancements in scientific research and health. Central to this initiative is the groundbreaking FACSDiscover™ A8 Cell Analyzer, which integrates advanced spectral and real-time cell imaging technologies, coupled with the innovative BD Horizon™ Chroma solution for dried high-parameter panels. Both organizations are committed to supporting the global research community through collaboration and the sharing of knowledge.

Steve Conly, Worldwide President of BD Biosciences, stated, “High-parameter single-cell studies of this kind, once considered infeasible, are increasingly becoming central to better understanding the human immune system. Our ecosystem of industry-leading BD flow cytometers, single-cell systems, reagents, software and informatics provide a critical missing puzzle piece that can support the important work of organizations like I3H to translate and deliver immunological insights into quantitative, actionable information for discovery and clinical care teams around the world.”

In summary, this collaboration marks a significant step forward in the realm of immunotherapy and immunological research. BD has firmly established itself as a pivotal player in enhancing healthcare through innovative technology and solutions, aligning with the broader objective of improving outcomes and advancing care processes in the medical field.

For more information on BD's commitment to advancing health technology and solutions, visit bd.com or connect with them via LinkedIn or other social media platforms.