#Japan #Tokyo #Gilead Sciences #T-Cell Therapy #Kite CAR T

Gilead's New Documentaries on CAR T-Cell Therapy

Gilead Sciences, based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has rolled out a series of three documentaries aimed at raising awareness about CAR T-cell therapy, an advanced treatment for blood cancers such as malignant lymphoma and multiple myeloma. This innovative therapy harnesses the patient's own T cells, modifying them to attack cancer cells before reinfusing them into the patient's body. Given the urgent unmet needs in this area within Japan, Gilead focused on capturing the collaborative efforts of healthcare professionals and the heartfelt testimonies of patients involved in this groundbreaking treatment.

Insights from the Documentary

The documentaries feature dedicated medical staff from Hokkaido University Hospital, Juntendo University Hospital, and Okayama University Hospital, highlighting their unwavering commitment to patient care. These films showcase personal stories from both patients and their healthcare providers, including the hopes and struggles encountered on the path toward successful treatment delivery. The documentary also sheds light on how the collaborative approach to team medicine is crucial in the intricate CAR T-cell therapy process.

In a statement accompanying the release, Gilead’s CEO, Kenneth Briceting, emphasized the importance of collaboration among patients and healthcare providers in developing effective treatments. He hopes that the documentaries will enhance understanding of CAR T-cell therapy and ultimately expand access for more patients who need it.

Commentary from Medical Professionals

Several leading doctors featured in the documentaries shared their insights:

Dr. Takunori Toyoshima (Hokkaido University) expressed optimism about CAR T-cell therapy's potential to save previously uncurable patients and facilitate their reintegration into society. He emphasized that with proper resource allocation, this therapy could reach a broader segment of patients in need.

Dr. Jun Ando (Juntendo University) recalled how his experience in the U.S. between 2010 and 2013 fueled his desire to bring CAR T-cell therapy to Japan. His continuous efforts and collaboration with various institutional stakeholders have resulted in a stable provision of this therapy to patients today. He looks forward to the documentaries increasing awareness and accessibility for those who truly need this treatment.

Dr. Yoshinobu Maeda (Okayama University) acknowledged the experimental nature of CAR T-cell therapy compared to traditional methods, noting the challenges faced over the years. However, he highlighted that with the dedication of healthcare workers, they can now offer this high-level treatment consistently.

Overview of the Documentaries

The documentaries each center on specific institutions and their unique approaches to implementing CAR T-cell therapy:

• - Hokkaido University Hospital: Title: “Fast-Tracking Patient Care through Regional Medical Collaboration”

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• - Juntendo University Hospital: Title: “A Strong Desire to Deliver to Japanese Patients”

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• - Okayama University Hospital: Title: “Building CAR T-Cell Therapy from Scratch”

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These films feature a range of medical professionals involved in the CAR T-cell therapy process, showcasing their dedication to advancing patient care. They include hematologists, lab technicians, nurses, and other specialists crucial to the therapy's success.

About Kite

Kite, a Gilead Company based in Santa Monica, California, is a biopharmaceutical firm committed to developing cell therapies that treat and potentially cure cancer. With a robust global network for manufacturing, Kite has been a leader in providing CAR T-cell therapy to patients around the world.

About Gilead Sciences

Gilead Sciences has been a driving force in biopharmaceutical innovation for over 35 years, aiming for a healthier world. Their focus is on developing innovative drugs for serious illnesses like HIV, hepatitis, COVID-19, and cancer, with operations spanning over 35 countries worldwide.