- Royal Perth Hospital given licence to manufacture CAR T cells and tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs)
- First hospital in Australia to be granted licence to manufacture TILs
- Cook Labor Government supporting research and medical breakthroughs for Western Australians
Western Australian cancer patients are now closer to accessing breakthrough cancer treatments locally, with Royal Perth Hospital licensed to manufacture CAR T-cells and the first in Australia to manufacture tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) for clinical trials.
Royal Perth Hospital is now the only hospital in the nation authorised by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to manufacture TILs and continues to be recognised internationally as a leader in CAR T-cell therapy.
CAR T-cell therapy reengineers a patient’s own immune cells so they can recognise and destroy cancer cells, transforming outcomes for people with certain blood cancers. TIL therapy multiplies immune cells already present inside a patient’s tumour and is showing strong promise for melanoma and other solid cancers.
Manufacturing these advanced therapies in Western Australia means more patients will be able to access cutting-edge cancer treatments closer to home.
Receiving care locally allows patients to stay connected their families, communities and support networks, while benefiting from some of the most advanced cancer therapies available.
The Cook Labor Government is proud to support clinicians and researchers delivering nationleading cancer care. This milestone reflects the commitment to ensuring Western Australians can access the healthcare they need, when they need it – no matter where they live.
The first clinical trial and patient treatment using locally manufactured CAR T-cell and TIL therapies is expected to commence before the end of the year.
As stated by Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson:
“This TGA licence is a proud moment for Western Australia, confirming Royal Perth Hospital’s place at the forefront of cell and gene therapy.
“Through having these new licences, WA cancer patients will have greater access to care closer to home, where they can stay closer to family and loved ones.
“The Cook Labor Government will keep backing our researchers and clinicians driving these life-changing breakthroughs.
“Through initiatives such as the Future Health Research and Innovation Fund and our Clinical Trials Roadmap, our government is supporting the development of new treatments and helping ensure Western Australians can benefit from the latest advances in health care.”
