Hope in a Dose: A Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) Podcast
Welcome to Hope in a Dose—the podcast where we explore the science, strategy, and stories behind the therapies redefining what’s possible. Designed for CGT innovators, this series helps you move smarter, faster, and with greater operational confidence.
Across each episode, we unpack the real-world challenges sponsors face today: selecting truly CGT-capable sites, navigating early-phase risk, activating global trials in rare populations, and demonstrating meaningful clinical impact.
Hosted by Lousie Kearney Head of Cell and Gene Therapy, Strategy and Delivery at Fortrea, a seasoned leader with decades of experience guiding emerging biotechs.
Hope in a Dose equips CGT innovators, clinical sites, and Principal Investigators with practical tools to navigate the unique complexities of advanced therapy development.
Episode 1: Breaking Ground: What Makes CGT Trials Different
Discover what sets cell and gene therapy (CGT) clinical trials apart. From “one-and-done” treatments to complex logistics and evolving regulations, our first episode of this podcast series explores the unique challenges and transformative potential of CGT studies. Join us as we dive into science, strategy, and stories behind hope in a dose.
- Host: Louise Kearney, Head of Cell and Gene Therapy, Strategy and Delivery at Fortrea
- Participants: Darby Thomas, Senior Scientific Director for Cell and Gene Therapies, Fortrea
References:
Episode 2 : CGT in Pediatric Patient Population
Today we're diving into one of the most exciting frontiers in medicine: cell and gene therapy for pediatric diseases. Why is it so important? Part of the answer lies in the fact that cell and gene therapy offers something extraordinary: a cure, not just symptom management. In this episode hear from leading experts about the science, challenges, and human impact of pediatric CGT clinical trials.
Join us as we discuss the evolving landscape, regulatory considerations, and the importance of community support in transforming lives.
- Host: Louise Kearney, Head of Cell and Gene Therapy, Strategy and Delivery at Fortrea
- Participants: Isabella Presch, Pediatric Clinical Research and Advanced Therapies
Listen now to “Hope in a Dose” and learn how science is turning hope into reality for children and families worldwide.
References:
- World's First Patient Treated with Personalized CRISPR Gene Editing Therapy at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. May 15, 2025. https://www.chop.edu/news/worlds-first-patient-treated-personalized-crispr-gene-editing-therapy-childrens-hospital
- Interventions for Parental Anxiety in Preparation for Pediatric Surgery: A Narrative Review. Santapuram, P., Stone, A.L., Walden, R.L., Alexander, L. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8623601/
- Pioneering Progress for Rare Lives: Cell and Gene Therapy Trials in Pediatric Rare Disease Populations | Fortrea
- The impact of rare diseases on the quality of life in paediatric patients: current status. Dumbuya, J.S., Zeng, C., Deng, L., et al. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11973084/
Episode 3 : Partners in Scale: CDMOs and CROs Working as One
- Host: Louise Kearney, Head of Cell and Gene Therapy, Strategy and Delivery at Fortrea
- Participants:Jan Skoumal, Head of Delivery for Oncology, Fortrea
Ludek Sojka, CEO, SCT Bio
In this episode we will discuss topics that are critical to the success of CGT programs: seamless collaboration between CDMOs and CROs. In cell and gene therapy, complexity isn't just in science, it's in the execution. And that's where integrative thinking comes in, where manufacturing and clinical operations work as one, we can accelerate timelines, reduce risk, and optimize costs. In this episode, we'll explore how early alignment between CDMOs and CROs can transform technologies into opportunities, from protocol design to study chain logistics and overall project success.
Learn how proactive coordination—from tech transfer and manufacturing to clinical operations and regulatory submissions—creates a unified strategy that drives success. Hear real-world insights on overcoming challenges, synchronizing supply chains, and delivering hope to patients faster through true partnership.
Listen now to explore the power of working as one in advanced therapy trials.
Episode 4 : Patients, Sites, and Speed: Building a Realistic CGT Trial Strategy and Finding the Right Sites
- Host: Louise Kearney, Head of Cell and Gene Therapy, Strategy and Delivery at Fortrea
- Participants: Andrea Seres, Senior Director of Strategic, Delivery and Growth in Oncology and Gene Therapy, Fortrea
Martin Collins, Director of Global Site Identification, Fortrea
In this episode, of podcast series “Hope in a dose” we discuss the essential elements for successful cell and gene therapy trials: understanding patient eligibility and journey, selecting the right sites, and acting with strategic urgency to accelerate outcomes. Learn how data-driven site selection, operational planning, and collaboration help overcome the unique challenges of CGT studies.
Featuring insights from Andrea Seres and Martin Collins, this episode highlights Fortrea’s proactive approach to supporting sites, optimizing trial placement, and fostering innovation in advanced therapies. Whether you’re a sponsor, investigator, or interested in the future of CGT, you’ll gain practical strategies and real-world perspectives to guide your next steps.
Tune in to discover how thoughtful planning and expertise drive success in cell and gene therapy.