Bruce L. Levine, Ph. D.
Barbara and Edward Netter Professor in Cancer Gene Therapy
Barbara and Edward Netter Professor in Cancer Gene Therapy
Bruce Levine is a pioneer in the field of cell and gene therapy whose work has helped change how we treat cancer. At the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, he serves as the Barbara and Edward Netter Professor in Cancer Gene Therapy and is the Founding Director of the Clinical Cell and Vaccine Production Facility (CVPF).
After earning his B.A. in Biology at Penn and his Ph.D. in Immunology and Infectious Diseases at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Levine went on to lead the cell and gene therapy product development for several “firsts” in human trials—including the first use of lentiviral vectors, the first gene-edited cell infusions, and the first use of engineered T cells to treat cancer. His work contributed directly to the development and approval of Kymriah, the first FDA-approved gene therapy, which reprograms a patient’s own immune cells (CAR T cells) to fight leukemia and lymphoma.
Dr. Levine is co-inventor on more than 30 U.S. patents and has published over 200 scientific articles and book chapters. His innovations have also led to the creation of new biotechnology companies, including Tmunity Therapeutics and Capstan Therapeutics, both spinouts from Penn. He has served as President of the International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy, as a past Board Member of the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine, and currently serves on the Board of the philanthropy Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy.
Beyond the laboratory, he is committed to training the next generation of scientists, engaging the public in science and medicine, and expanding equitable access to advanced therapies worldwide. He has also written for outlets such as Scientific American and Wired to help explain the promise—and the challenges—of cell and gene therapy to broader audiences. Most recently he has co-written a song about CAR T cells with acclaimed country artist Mags McCarthy, "Ring That Bell".
More on Google Scholar (h-index 115)
* Conflicts of interest managed in accordance with University of Pennsylvania policy and oversight
A Song of Hope for Cancer Patients and Survivors
“Ring That Bell” tells the emotional story of a cancer patient facing relapse and the fierce advocacy, support, and groundbreaking science that offer new hope. At its heart is the powerful symbolism of ringing the bell—a tradition in many cancer centers marking key milestones like the end of treatment, good news, or moments of gratitude and encouragement.
A heartfelt tribute to the power of perseverance, community, and innovation, “Ring That Bell” draws on real stories from families whose lives have been changed by CAR T-cell therapy. Dr. Bruce Levine, whose pioneering work helped bring the first FDA-approved CAR T-cell therapy to market, co-wrote the song with Mags McCarthy, blending scientific inspiration and musical storytelling.
Proceeds benefit the Emily Whitehead Foundation
visit ringthatbellsong.com
At the age of six, Emily Whitehead was diagnosed with leukemia and the lives of her and her parents were suddenly thrust into uncertainty. Of Medicine and Miracles details her family's experience bouncing from hospital to hospital, trying to stay hopeful, and their fateful correspondence with a doctor whose research could hold the key to her...
Available on demand
