Ann: SUDA appoints new cell and gene therapy manufacturing expert, page-6

Sandhya B. Sr Director, Viral Vector Development at Atara Biotherapeutics Los Angeles

Billion dollar company

Approximately 18 years of experience in developing upstream and downstream bioprocesses for cells and gene therapies, formulation development for gene therapy viral vectors and live attenuated viral vaccines, novel approaches to cryopreservation and lyophilization of human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HPC), and whole cell biosensors.

Experience with cell line engineering and development, banking stem/iPSC cells (MCB, WCB, DCB, RCB), CAR-T process development for both autologous & allogeneic, vector development for use in autologous and allogeneic processes, and vector engineering.

Expertise in process development, process characterization, process improvements, and formulation development with strong skills in the areas of immunocellular therapies, whole cell therapies, and vaccine development at small-scale to production scale (T flasks, small culture bags, 1 L to 25 L WAVE bioreactors, stainless steel 30-L to 500-L bioreactors, single use 1 L to 200 L) for development, clinical, and commercial products.

Strong supervisory and global matrix management skills, team building, and collaboration between multiple-sites. Strong experience with academic collaborations.

Her LinkedIn file looks pretty good. I don't think she would be joining SUD without good reason.