Bracco Launches BubbleGen™ Early Access Program for Microbubble-Based Cell Selection and Activation at ISCT

Key Takeaways

• BubbleGen uses buoyant microbubbles for cell separation.
• Early Access Program offers evaluation kits to researchers.
• Targets CD3+ T‑cells, supports CAR‑T manufacturing.
• Alternative to magnetic beads, eliminates magnetic residuals.
• Bracco showcases technology at ISCT 2026 Dublin.

Pulse Analysis

Cell‑therapy manufacturers have long relied on magnetic bead platforms to isolate target populations, a process that can leave residual particles and add steps to purification. As autologous and allogeneic therapies move toward larger scale production, the industry seeks methods that reduce handling time, improve cell viability, and simplify regulatory filings. Microbubble‑based separation, pioneered by Bracco Imaging, leverages buoyancy to capture cells without magnetic interference, positioning the technology as a potential game‑changer for high‑throughput manufacturing pipelines.

BubbleGen’s Early Access Program gives R&D teams hands‑on experience with a kit that currently supports CD3⁺ T‑cell selection and activation—key steps in commercial CAR‑T workflows. By coupling selection and activation in a single step, developers can cut down on reagent usage and minimize cell stress, which translates to higher product yields and consistency. The platform’s modular lipid‑based microbubbles can be re‑engineered to target rarer cell subsets, dead cells, or platelets, offering a versatile tool for process optimization across diverse immunotherapy modalities.

The launch arrives as the global cell‑therapy market is projected to exceed $30 billion by 2030, intensifying competition among platform providers. Bracco’s expertise in contrast‑enhanced ultrasound microbubbles gives it a unique advantage in translating diagnostic‑grade materials to therapeutic applications. If early adopters demonstrate robust performance and regulatory compliance, BubbleGen could carve out a niche alongside established magnetic bead vendors, driving broader adoption of microbubble technologies and reshaping the economics of cell‑therapy manufacturing.