Cellares and Sonoma Biotherapeutics agreed to automate manufacturing of SBT-77-7101, an engineered regulatory T (Treg) cell therapy in phase I development for poly-refractory rheumatoid arthritis. Cellares will translate SonomaBio’s manufacturing process onto its Cell Shuttle and automate in-process and release testing through the Cell Q quality control system. The partnership focuses on a core manufacturing reality for Tregs: they are sensitive to process variation, requiring tightly controlled, consistent production runs. Cellares also highlighted its Smart Factory infrastructure in Bridgewater, New Jersey, with additional facilities planned in Europe and Japan. The deal reflects growing demand for end-to-end automation and quality systems in CGT, where scaling beyond bespoke lab workflows is often the gating factor. If execution matches the automation promise, it could reduce batch variability and improve turnaround time as Treg programs progress from early trials toward wider patient access.