Oxford and MeiraGTx to make AAVs in Central London, UK
Under the agreement, Oxford Genetics will implement its viral vector design and cell line development to make adeno-associated viruses (AAVs), designed to infect cells with gene therapies.
MeiraGTx – which will have exclusive worldwide research and manufacturing rights to novel serotype-specific AAV vectors, and associated packaging and producer cell lines – will “play a role in the validation of the vectors and packaging cell lines,” said an Oxford Genetics spokesperson, adding that Oxford is the “scientific lead” in the collaboration.
Oxford said the project aims to create a fully scalable AAV production system, which satisfies requirements for “increased viral vector yields, process robustness and product efficacy.”
The project is “one of the many vital steps that we are taking to meet the demand for a broadening range of gene therapies,” said MeiraGTx’s CEO Alexandria Forbes in a statement.
Manufacturing sites
Research AAVs will be made Oxford Genetics’ and MeiraGTx’s sites in Oxford and London, UK respectively.
Current good manufacturing practice (cGMP)-grade AAVs will be made at MeiraGTx’s 29,000 square-foot manufacturing facility in Central London, which houses development suites, fill and finish capabilities, and a center for collaboration in gene therapy and bioprocessing.
In August, Oxford Genetics announced it would expand its bioproduction services in the UK and build an office in Boston, US, after receiving a £7.5m ($9.6m) investment from Mercia Technologies PLC and Invesco Perpetual.
