Trenchant Biosystems disclosed prototype data for its AutoCell automated CGT manufacturing platform, reporting a seven‑fold increase in gene‑modified cell yield and claims of reducing vein‑to‑vein timelines from weeks to days while cutting costs. External validation partners confirmed key unit operations and in‑process controls that could enable higher throughput, the company said. AGC Biologics signed a licensing agreement to commercialize Asimov’s LV Edge Packaging cell line, a lentiviral system that replaces standard four‑plasmid transfection with a single‑plasmid approach embedded in an engineered HEK293 line. AGC plans to offer the system at its Milan cell and gene center to reduce GMP plasmid needs and simplify vector manufacture. These announcements target two persistent CGT pain points—scale and supply chain complexity—and indicate CDMOs and platform firms are converging on automation and cell‑line engineering to lower cost and speed access to viral vectors and autologous/allogeneic products.