Cell therapy weekly: US$20 million grant program for advancing cell and gene therapies
This week: A new collaboration has launched to demonstrate universal automation of cell and gene therapy manufacturing and Merck Life Science (Merck; Darmstadt, Germany) has acquired a life science company specializing in transfection reagents for viral vector manufacturing. Plus, a US$20 million grant program has been launched to propel the advancement of cell and gene therapies.
The news highlights:
- Partnership to demonstrate universal automation of cell and gene therapy manufacturing
- US$600 million acquisition to advance viral vector manufacturing
- US$20 million grant program for the advancement of cell and gene therapy development and manufacturing
Partnership to demonstrate universal automation of cell and gene therapy manufacturing
Cellular Origins (Royston, UK) and Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult; London, UK) have united to demonstrate the benefits of automating cell and gene therapy manufacturing in real-world applications. This collaboration aims to advance understanding of how automation can address scalability challenges that have hindered progress in the field. The collaboration will utilize Cellular Origin’s robotic universal automation platform, known as Constellation™, at the CGT Catapult’s Stevenage Manufacturing Innovation Centre.
“Embracing automation is a key step that the cell and gene therapy industry must take to reduce costs, increase efficiency and meet the growing demand for advanced therapies,” explained Matthew Durdy, CEO of CGT Catapult. “Through working with leading robotics and software experts such as Cellular Origins, we aim to develop new strategies that increase levels of automation. This will help our collaborators access the benefits of these technologies, help make advanced therapies more affordable to healthcare systems, and help more patients receive life-changing therapies.”
US$600 million acquisition to advance viral vector manufacturing
Merck has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Mirus Bio (WI, USA) for US$600 million. This strategic acquisition will combine Merck’s extensive portfolio, scale and global presence with Mirus Bio’s leading transfection reagents, which facilitate the introduction of genetic material into cells, advancing Merck’s viral vector manufacturing capabilities.
“Novel modalities, such as viral vector-based cell and gene therapies, hold immense promise to improve the lives of patients. Combining Mirus Bio’s leading technology with Merck’s bioprocessing expertise and portfolio allows us to provide solutions for almost every step of viral vector development and manufacturing,” commented Matthias Heinzel, Member of the Executive Board of Merck and CEO Life Science. “With our integrated offering along the viral vector value chain, we are now well-positioned to support our customers in this fast-growing market to positively impact the lives and health of patients worldwide.”
US$20 million grant program for the advancement of cell and gene therapy development and manufacturing
In partnership with Wilson Wolf Manufacturing, Bio-Techne Corporation (both MN, USA) and CellReady (TX, USA), ScaleReady (MN, USA) has launched a US$20 million initiative to accelerate the progress of cell and gene therapies. Through the G-Rex® Grant Program, qualifying academic institutions and commercial entities will receive up to US$300,000 worth of products, including G-Rex M-Series bioreactors and reagents, along with unlimited free consulting services.
“The G-Rex Grant Program is a transformative initiative that will significantly reduce the barrier to entry for [cell and gene therapy] institutions who seek access to our industry-leading G-Rex platform,” expressed Josh Ludwig, Global Commercial Director at ScaleReady. “Time is the most valuable resource we all have. G-Rex is the only integrated development and manufacturing platform in the world that provides continuity between the research, development and manufacturing functions. G-Rex platform continuity saves valuable time by ensuring that critical process parameters and critical quality attributes are conserved during the translation or troubleshooting process. By equipping researchers and developers with the best-in-class tools and expertise they need, we can accelerate the development and improve the manufacturability of these potentially lifesaving treatments.”
