PHCNA coverage highlights the deployment of real‑time cell metabolic monitoring technologies in cell and gene therapy (CGT) manufacturing to enable earlier interventions and tighter process control. The report, featuring insights from Tia Harmon, shows how in‑process sensors and analytics provide actionable data across critical steps such as expansion, transduction and harvest. Companies deploying these monitoring systems cited improved batch consistency and reduced failure rates, with potential to shorten time‑to‑release and lower costs. The article positions real‑time monitoring as an operational lever as CGT scales from clinical to commercial production. Clarification: real‑time metabolic monitoring refers to continuous or frequent measurement of cellular parameters (e.g., oxygen, metabolites) during bioprocessing to guide control decisions. Broad adoption will depend on integration with regulatory process characterization and validated analytical systems.