Terumo BCT names new head of cell and gene therapy business

US medtech firm Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies has appointed Liza Loidolt as general manager of its cell and gene therapy business, marking a sharper strategic push into advanced therapeutics. Parent company Terumo Corporation (TSE: 4543) recently reported annual revenue of about $6.1 billion, with growth in blood-and-cell technologies.

Ms Loidolt brings more than 15 years of experience in hematology and cell therapy, including work at Novartis (NOVN: VX) during the launch of Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel). She also held senior roles at Kite Pharma, part of Gilead Sciences (Nasdaq: GILD), contributing to commercialization of Yescarta (axicabtagene ciloleucel) and Tecartus (brexucabtagene autoleucel).

Ms Loidolt said the company aims to help innovators move “from concept to clinic” by linking cell collection with downstream processing. Terumo’s Spectra Optia, Quantum Flex and Finia platforms form an end-to-end system designed to streamline development, reduce complexity and support commercialization.