About Easygen

Easygen is a European research project developing an automated, modular platform for hospital-based CAR-T manufacturing. Led by Fraunhofer and Fresenius, it brings together 18 partners from academia and industry.

18 partners

Europe-wide collaboration across research, healthcare, industry, and policy.

5 years

Project duration, enabling full development, integration, and evaluation.

IHI & EU funded

A public-private partnership supported by the EU 
and industry.

Our ambition

EASYGEN aims to reduce the time from cell collection to reinfusion ("vein-to-vein") from several weeks to less than 24 hours by developing an automated, modular manufacturing system for hospital-based CAR-T production.
number 1
A ponit of care manufacturing process that minimizes manual steps and simplifies hospital integration
number 2
Digital quality control and batch records, linked to hospital IT systems (e.g. HL7 / FHIR)
number 3
Workflow integration that reduces administrative burden on clinical teams
number 4
An estimated ~50% cost reduction in cell therapy production
number 5
Scalability from a few doses/month to high-volume needs, without new cleanroom infrastructure

How we make it possible together

EASYGEN brings together cross-disciplinary expertise to turn a fragile, complex CAR-T supply chain into a scalable hospital procedure.

More about our goals
cell engineering icon

Cell-engineering pioneers

provide the know-how for robust, high-yield protocols

automation icon

Automation Experts

Translate biology into aseptic machines and smart sensors.

IT & software icon

IT & Software Teams

Co-design e-batch records that integrate with hospital systems.

regulatory & QA icon

Regulatory & QA Specialists

Ensure decentralised production meets EU-GMP and ATMP standards.

economics icon

Health Economists & Payers

Model affordability and system-wide sustainability.

hospital icon

Clinicians & Nurses

Refine patient-centred workflows for everyday hospital use.

Kick-Off 2025: Beginning the EASYGEN journey with great energy

The EASYGEN team on the day of the kickoff

In the front row, from left to right: Dr. Sonja Steppan (Easygen Principal Investigator, Fresenius SE), Prof. Dr. Michael Hudecek (Fraunhofer IZI), Theresa Kagerbauer (TQ Therapeutics), Dr. Agnes Vosen (HZDR), Christopher Wegener (Fresenius Kabi), Vaclovas Radvilas (EBMT), Dr. Julia Schüler (Charles River), Dr. Julia Busch-Casler (HZDR), Nicole Spanier-Baro (Fraunhofer IESE), Vivienne Williams (Cellix Limited), Prof. Dr. Bertram Glaß (Helios), Prof. Dr. Ulrike Köhl (Fraunhofer IZI), Rebecca Scheiwe (Fresenius SE). In the back row, from left to right: Prof. Dr. Ralf Kuhlen (Fresenius SE), Prof. Dr. Jens O. Brunner (DTU), Dominik Narres (Fresenius SE), Thomas Brzoska (Pro-Liance Global Solutions), Dr. David Krones (Fraunhofer IZI), Dr. Sabine Bertsch (Pro-Liance Global Solutions), Dr. Ralf Hoffmann (Philips), Christin Zündorf (TQ Therapeutics), Dr. Anna Dünkel (Fraunhofer IZI).

Our European Consortium

EASYGEN powerhouse

The EASYGEN powerhouse

01

Project Management

WP1

Project Management

Facilitating seamless governance, oversight, and ethical integrity.

This work package establishes the project’s governance framework: the coordinator (FSE) oversees day-to-day administration, budget, and legal compliance, and scientific stewardship—organizing meetings, managing contracts, and ensuring that deliverables, milestones, and reports are delivered on time. It also sets up internal communication channels to keep all partners aligned, while implementing a proactive risk-management cycle (identification, analysis, mitigation, control) to address emerging threats. A dynamic Data Management Plan is created and maintained to ensure consistency, accessibility, and integrity of project data across all work packages (WP1-WP10). Finally, the setup of an Advisory Board/ Ethics Committee provides continuous oversight to uphold ethical standards throughout the project lifecycle.

Led by
Fresenius
and key partners:

02

Process Management and co-creation

WP2

Process Management and co-creation

Optimizing care pathways through data-driven simulation and stakeholder collaboration.

WP4 defines and validates patient eligibility criteria to identify new cohorts who stand to benefit from the modular CAR-T device, leveraging clinical expertise and data analytics to model anticipated outcomes. A comprehensive market and competitor analysis maps current trends, barriers to entry, and growth projections, informing optimal positioning within healthcare systems. Finally, insights from WP2 are used for exploitation and sustainability strategies that outline clear commercialization pathways, partner engagement, and scalable roll-out plans to ensure long-term integration and impact of the innovation.

Led by
Danmarks Tekniske Universitet
and key partners:

03

Stakeholder Engagement and Performance Evaluation

WP3

Stakeholder Engagement and Performance Evaluation

Defining needs, acceptance, and economic value for successful technology uptake.

A PASTEL analysis and expert interviews map out all external influences and key actors to pinpoint the political, economic, social and regulatory factors that will shape technology adoption. It then translates stakeholder insights into prioritized technical and usability requirements via targeted questionnaires, ensuring the device meets real-world needs. Building on this, acceptance studies
systematically gather and analyze stakeholders feedback to establish clear criteria for end-user buy-in, and a comprehensive cost-effectiveness model compares Point-of-Care versus conventional CAR-T therapies (including QALYs, long-term follow-ups, Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis, and workflow-driven cost inputs) to guide strategic decision-making.

Led by
Fraunhofer IESE
and key partners:

04

Patient-centric market readiness and sustainability

WP4

Patient-centric market readiness and sustainability

Paving the way for broad, lasting adoption of Point-of-Care CAR-T therapy

WP4 defines and validates patient eligibility criteria to identify new cohorts who stand to benefit from the modular CAR-T device, leveraging clinical expertise and data analytics to model anticipated outcomes. A comprehensive market and competitor analysis maps current trends, barriers to entry, and growth projections, informing optimal positioning within healthcare systems. Finally, insights from WP2 are used for exploitation and sustainability strategies that outline clear commercialization pathways, partner engagement, and scalable roll-out plans to ensure long-term integration and impact of the innovation.

Led by
Fresenius
and key partners:

05

Developing regulatory compliance strategy.

WP5

Developing regulatory compliance strategy.

Charting a clear path to CE-marking and clinical approval

A robust regulatory roadmap is crafted for both the CGT proof-of-concept platform and the modular CAR-T procedure. Early engagement with Notified Bodies and competent authorities ensures that device classification, pre-clinical testing, and evolving regulations are addressed in real time. A detailed European regulatory landscape analysis across EU countries (starting with Germany, Spain) informs consultation with TÜV, PEI, EMA, and other agencies, while comprehensive GMP documentation—including validation plans, risk assessments, and supplier qualification—lays the groundwork for compliant manufacturing in WP6.

Led by
PRO-LIANCE GLOBAL SOLUTIONS
and key partners:

06

Point of care device optimization

WP6

Point of care device optimization

Enhancing the point-of-care platform for reliable CAR-T manufacturing and data integration

Refining and validating the consumable cassette and core instrument to meet GMP specifications for on-site CAR-T production is performed in this working package: partners will iterateon the PoCCGT cassette design (affinity capture, washing, concentration) and verifycell-isolation performance (purity, viability, yield) across multiple donorsamples. Standardized quality-control cartridges and protocols will bedeveloped to automate cell counts, viability checks, and contamination assays, by stakeholder feedback from WP8. Finally, a Digital Twin—built onEclipse BaSyx and FHIR standards—will integrate process and QC data intohospital EHR/LIMS systems, enabling real-time interoperability and streamlinedclinical workflows.

Led by
Cellix
and key partners:

07

Next-generation CAR-T treatment

WP7

Next-generation CAR-T treatment

Advancing rapid, high-fidelity manufacturing and analytics for point-of-care therapies

Same-day CAR-T production is established and refined through the comparison of novel vector and gene-editing strategies with classical methods. Both processes are then standardized to ensure consistent, clinical-scale use. It developscutting-edge analytical assays—leveraging CRISPR off-target profiling, 3D ex vivo efficacy screens, and cytokine-release monitoring—to qualify edited cellsfor safety and potency. Finally, it conducts paired comparisons of the new rapid workflow versus traditional ex vivo culture to demonstrate equivalence orsuperiority in product quality.

Led by
Charles River
and key partners:

08

Point-of-care device deployment and validation in the hospital

WP8

Point-of-care device deployment and validation in the hospital

Ensuring real-world readiness through mock runs, user feedback, and seamless data flow

Simulated onboarding workflows in hospital settings serve to pilot the point-of-care CAR-T platform, while also generating SOPs, training materials, and quality-management documents to assess personnel, infrastructure, and documentation requirements. Guided by insights from WP2 and WP3, this WP then conducts dry runs across partner sites, gathering usability feedback to iteratively refine device deployment and clinical processes while preparing for a Phase 1b trial. Finally, interoperability tests validate data interfaces between the device, Digital Twin, and hospital IT systems, and a clinical study protocol is drafted alongside a comprehensive final report outlining logistics, user insights, and regulatory considerations.

Led by
Helios Klinikum Berlin-Buch
and key partners:

09

Dissemination, communication, and patient Advocacy

WP9

Dissemination, communication, and patient Advocacy

Amplifying impact through transparent outreach and stakeholder collaboration

To share EASYGEN’s findings with scientific, clinical, and public audiences the team develops a dynamic dissemination and communication strategy – featuring a unified brand identity, website, social media presence and toolkit for presentations and press releases. It conducts a literature review on CAR-T patient quality of life to inform targeted messaging and convenes roundtable workshops with patient advocacy groups to co-create educational resources and a white paper on lived-experience insights. Ongoing stakeholder networking ensures that healthcare providers and patients are actively engaged throughout the project’s lifespan.

Led by
Fresenius
and key partners:

10

Ethics requirements

WP10

Ethics requirements

Embedding ethical integrity across all project activities

To ensure full compliance withapplicable laws, regulations, and best practices, this working package definesan ethical framework and oversight structure guiding all research and devicedevelopment activities. An Ethics Committee will beconvened to review protocols, informed-consent materials, data-protectionmeasures (e.g., GDPR compliance), and patient-safety procedures, providingguidance and approval at key milestones. Continuous monitoring and reporting mechanismswill be implemented to address any emerging ethical issues throughout theproject lifecycle.

Led by
Fresenius
and key partners:

01

Project Management

WP1

Project Management

Facilitating seamless governance, oversight, and ethical integrity.

This work package establishes the project’s governance framework: the coordinator (FSE) oversees day-to-day administration, budget, and legal compliance, and scientific stewardship—organizing meetings, managing contracts, and ensuring that deliverables, milestones, and reports are delivered on time. It also sets up internal communication channels to keep all partners aligned, while implementing a proactive risk-management cycle (identification, analysis, mitigation, control) to address emerging threats. A dynamic Data Management Plan is created and maintained to ensure consistency, accessibility, and integrity of project data across all work packages (WP1-WP10). Finally, the setup of an Advisory Board/ Ethics Committee provides continuous oversight to uphold ethical standards throughout the project lifecycle.

02

Process Management and co-creation

WP2

Process Management and co-creation

Optimizing care pathways through data-driven simulation and stakeholder collaboration.

WP4 defines and validates patient eligibility criteria to identify new cohorts who stand to benefit from the modular CAR-T device, leveraging clinical expertise and data analytics to model anticipated outcomes. A comprehensive market and competitor analysis maps current trends, barriers to entry, and growth projections, informing optimal positioning within healthcare systems. Finally, insights from WP2 are used for exploitation and sustainability strategies that outline clear commercialization pathways, partner engagement, and scalable roll-out plans to ensure long-term integration and impact of the innovation.

03

Stakeholder Engagement and Performance Evaluation

WP3

Stakeholder Engagement and Performance Evaluation

Defining needs, acceptance, and economic value for successful technology uptake.

A PASTEL analysis and expert interviews map out all external influences and key actors to pinpoint the political, economic, social and regulatory factors that will shape technology adoption. It then translates stakeholder insights into prioritized technical and usability requirements via targeted questionnaires, ensuring the device meets real-world needs. Building on this, acceptance studies
systematically gather and analyze stakeholders feedback to establish clear criteria for end-user buy-in, and a comprehensive cost-effectiveness model compares Point-of-Care versus conventional CAR-T therapies (including QALYs, long-term follow-ups, Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis, and workflow-driven cost inputs) to guide strategic decision-making.

04

Patient-centric market readiness and sustainability

WP4

Patient-centric market readiness and sustainability

Paving the way for broad, lasting adoption of Point-of-Care CAR-T therapy

WP4 defines and validates patient eligibility criteria to identify new cohorts who stand to benefit from the modular CAR-T device, leveraging clinical expertise and data analytics to model anticipated outcomes. A comprehensive market and competitor analysis maps current trends, barriers to entry, and growth projections, informing optimal positioning within healthcare systems. Finally, insights from WP2 are used for exploitation and sustainability strategies that outline clear commercialization pathways, partner engagement, and scalable roll-out plans to ensure long-term integration and impact of the innovation.

05

Developing regulatory compliance strategy.

WP5

Developing regulatory compliance strategy.

Charting a clear path to CE-marking and clinical approval

A robust regulatory roadmap is crafted for both the CGT proof-of-concept platform and the modular CAR-T procedure. Early engagement with Notified Bodies and competent authorities ensures that device classification, pre-clinical testing, and evolving regulations are addressed in real time. A detailed European regulatory landscape analysis across EU countries (starting with Germany, Spain) informs consultation with TÜV, PEI, EMA, and other agencies, while comprehensive GMP documentation—including validation plans, risk assessments, and supplier qualification—lays the groundwork for compliant manufacturing in WP6.

06

Point of care device optimization

WP6

Point of care device optimization

Enhancing the point-of-care platform for reliable CAR-T manufacturing and data integration

Refining and validating the consumable cassette and core instrument to meet GMP specifications for on-site CAR-T production is performed in this working package: partners will iterateon the PoCCGT cassette design (affinity capture, washing, concentration) and verifycell-isolation performance (purity, viability, yield) across multiple donorsamples. Standardized quality-control cartridges and protocols will bedeveloped to automate cell counts, viability checks, and contamination assays, by stakeholder feedback from WP8. Finally, a Digital Twin—built onEclipse BaSyx and FHIR standards—will integrate process and QC data intohospital EHR/LIMS systems, enabling real-time interoperability and streamlinedclinical workflows.

07

Next-generation CAR-T treatment

WP7

Next-generation CAR-T treatment

Advancing rapid, high-fidelity manufacturing and analytics for point-of-care therapies

Same-day CAR-T production is established and refined through the comparison of novel vector and gene-editing strategies with classical methods. Both processes are then standardized to ensure consistent, clinical-scale use. It developscutting-edge analytical assays—leveraging CRISPR off-target profiling, 3D ex vivo efficacy screens, and cytokine-release monitoring—to qualify edited cellsfor safety and potency. Finally, it conducts paired comparisons of the new rapid workflow versus traditional ex vivo culture to demonstrate equivalence orsuperiority in product quality.

08

Point-of-care device deployment and validation in the hospital

WP8

Point-of-care device deployment and validation in the hospital

Ensuring real-world readiness through mock runs, user feedback, and seamless data flow

Simulated onboarding workflows in hospital settings serve to pilot the point-of-care CAR-T platform, while also generating SOPs, training materials, and quality-management documents to assess personnel, infrastructure, and documentation requirements. Guided by insights from WP2 and WP3, this WP then conducts dry runs across partner sites, gathering usability feedback to iteratively refine device deployment and clinical processes while preparing for a Phase 1b trial. Finally, interoperability tests validate data interfaces between the device, Digital Twin, and hospital IT systems, and a clinical study protocol is drafted alongside a comprehensive final report outlining logistics, user insights, and regulatory considerations.

09

Dissemination, communication, and patient Advocacy

WP9

Dissemination, communication, and patient Advocacy

Amplifying impact through transparent outreach and stakeholder collaboration

To share EASYGEN’s findings with scientific, clinical, and public audiences the team develops a dynamic dissemination and communication strategy – featuring a unified brand identity, website, social media presence and toolkit for presentations and press releases. It conducts a literature review on CAR-T patient quality of life to inform targeted messaging and convenes roundtable workshops with patient advocacy groups to co-create educational resources and a white paper on lived-experience insights. Ongoing stakeholder networking ensures that healthcare providers and patients are actively engaged throughout the project’s lifespan.

10

Ethics requirements

WP10

Ethics requirements

Embedding ethical integrity across all project activities

To ensure full compliance withapplicable laws, regulations, and best practices, this working package definesan ethical framework and oversight structure guiding all research and devicedevelopment activities. An Ethics Committee will beconvened to review protocols, informed-consent materials, data-protectionmeasures (e.g., GDPR compliance), and patient-safety procedures, providingguidance and approval at key milestones. Continuous monitoring and reporting mechanismswill be implemented to address any emerging ethical issues throughout theproject lifecycle.

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This project has received funding from the Innovative Health Initiative Joint Undertaking (JU) under grant agreement No 101194710. The JU receives support from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme and EFPIA. — Funded by the European Union, the private members, and those contributing partners of the IHI JU. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the aforementioned parties. Neither of the aforementioned parties can be held responsible for them.