USP launched standards aimed at viral vectors and plasmid DNA raw materials to support cell and gene therapy manufacturing, addressing measurement variability such as empty‑to‑full AAV ratios and the need for reproducible plasmid quality. The standards are intended to harmonize analytical benchmarks and help manufacturers and regulators manage a rapidly growing advanced‑therapy pipeline. In complementary industry activity, Bracco Imaging and Limula announced an R&D collaboration with University of Fribourg investigators to evaluate microbubble‑based affinity selection and automated cell processing as alternatives to magnetic beads for affinity‑based T‑cell selection and activation. The program, funded by Switzerland’s Innosuisse, aims to reduce cost and complexity in critical cell‑therapy manufacturing steps. Together, the rise of formal standards and public‑private manufacturing innovation addresses a common bottleneck for advanced therapies: reproducible, scalable and cost‑effective production. Regulators, CDMOs and developers will lean on these efforts to enable wider clinical access and commercial supply.