CGT Global Strengthens Advisory Leadership with Appointment of Dr. Andrew Branagan, Enhancing Expertise in Hematologic Malignancies and Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy Development
CGT Global, a biotechnology innovator dedicated to advancing the development, manufacturing, and delivery of cutting-edge cell and gene therapies, has announced the appointment of Andrew Robert Branagan, MD, PhD, to its Board of Advisors. This strategic addition is aimed at bolstering the company’s clinical and scientific guidance as it accelerates progress on its growing pipeline of transformative treatments for patients with complex and life-threatening conditions.
Dr. Branagan is internationally recognized for his expertise in hematologic malignancies, immunology, and the clinical development of novel therapeutic strategies, including advanced modalities such as chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies and other immune-based interventions. His appointment to the Board represents both an expansion of CGT Global’s leadership network and a reinforcement of its commitment to scientific excellence and patient-focused innovation.
A Multifaceted Leadership Role
In addition to his new responsibilities as a Board Advisor, Dr. Branagan will continue his role as Medical Director at CGT Global—a position he has held since 2018. This dual capacity will enable him to provide a unique bridge between operational execution and high-level strategic planning, ensuring that clinical and research priorities remain closely aligned with the company’s long-term vision.
Beyond his role at CGT Global, Dr. Branagan serves as a Clinical Investigator and Medical Director at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), one of the world’s foremost academic medical centers. He is also an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology and Oncology at Harvard Medical School, where he has contributed significantly to medical education, clinical trial leadership, and translational research initiatives.
At MGH, Dr. Branagan is an active member of the Cellular Therapy Steering Committee, which oversees clinical trial design, operational readiness, and regulatory compliance for advanced therapeutic interventions. His involvement in this high-level institutional body underscores his deep understanding of both the clinical and logistical challenges inherent in cell and gene therapy development.
A CEO’s Perspective on Strategic Value
Cate Spears, CEO and Founder of CGT Global, expressed strong confidence in the value Dr. Branagan will bring to the Board.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Andrew Branagan to our Board of Advisors,” said Spears. “His profound understanding of the human immune system—particularly in the context of plasma cell disorders such as multiple myeloma and Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia—combined with his extensive experience in clinical trials for advanced therapies, makes him an exceptional addition to our leadership. His ongoing research into mechanisms of resistance to CAR-T cell therapy reflects both his scientific rigor and his dedication to improving outcomes for patients who currently have limited treatment options.”
Spears noted that CGT Global’s mission extends beyond technical development to the broader challenge of ensuring that cell and gene therapies are designed with both efficacy and accessibility in mind. She emphasized that the company’s advisory board plays a crucial role in shaping strategies that integrate scientific innovation with real-world patient needs.
An Academic and Clinical Career Rooted in Innovation
Dr. Branagan’s academic credentials reflect a career-long commitment to merging rigorous scientific investigation with patient-centered care. He earned his PhD in Investigative Medicine from Yale University, where his doctoral work focused on the development of novel vaccination strategies aimed at strengthening immune responses in patients with hematologic malignancies. His research sought to reduce the susceptibility to infections that often complicates the treatment and recovery process for individuals with blood cancers—a focus that continues to inform his approach to immunology today.
In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. Branagan has served on multiple scientific advisory boards for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies working in oncology and hematology. His industry-facing experience has allowed him to contribute to the design and implementation of pivotal clinical studies, as well as to guide the development of next-generation therapeutics that address the evolving challenges of cancer treatment.
Commitment to Global Health and Collaborative Networks
Dr. Branagan is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, and Hematology, underscoring his versatility across multiple domains of patient care. His professional focus areas include the development of immune-based cancer therapies, the advancement of medical education, and the promotion of global health initiatives that seek to improve cancer care access and quality across diverse healthcare settings.
He maintains active memberships in several influential professional organizations, including:
- American Society of Hematology (ASH) – the world’s largest professional society concerned with the causes and treatment of blood disorders.
- American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) – a leading network dedicated to improving cancer care and promoting scientific exchange.
- International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) – an organization focused on improving outcomes for patients with multiple myeloma through collaborative research.
- Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia Clinical Trial Network – a group committed to advancing clinical trial opportunities for patients with this rare blood cancer.
- Deylight Foundation – an organization dedicated to establishing international consensus guidelines for optimal patient care.
Through these affiliations, Dr. Branagan plays a pivotal role in fostering cross-institutional collaboration, setting treatment standards, and accelerating the translation of research discoveries into tangible patient benefits.
A Personal Commitment to the Promise of Cell and Gene Therapy
Reflecting on his appointment, Dr. Branagan emphasized both the scientific promise and the human impact of CGT Global’s work.
“I am honored to join the Board of Advisors at CGT Global at such a pivotal time for cell and gene therapy,” said Dr. Branagan. “The potential of these innovative modalities to transform patient care is immense. I look forward to contributing my expertise in clinical development, immunology, and hematologic oncology to help guide CGT Global in its mission to bring life-changing therapies to patients in need.”
His comments align closely with CGT Global’s mission to address high unmet medical needs through a combination of cutting-edge research, rigorous clinical evaluation, and strategic industry partnerships.
Positioning CGT Global for the Future
The addition of Dr. Branagan to the Board of Advisors comes at a time of rapid growth and scientific momentum for CGT Global. The company is currently advancing a diversified pipeline of cell and gene therapy candidates aimed at addressing a broad range of indications, from rare genetic disorders to complex oncologic diseases.
With the field of advanced therapeutics experiencing both unprecedented innovation and significant operational challenges—including manufacturing scalability, regulatory alignment, and cost management—CGT Global’s leadership team is focused on ensuring that strategic decisions are informed by deep clinical insight and real-world applicability.
The appointment of a physician-scientist with both academic and industry experience provides CGT Global with an enhanced ability to navigate the evolving landscape of regulatory requirements, competitive developments, and emerging scientific opportunities.
As the company continues to expand its research capabilities and build partnerships, the guidance of experts like Dr. Branagan will be instrumental in ensuring that its therapies not only meet the highest scientific standards but also deliver meaningful impact for patients worldwide.
