Rentschler to build new CGT capabilities in the UK, boost for viral vector supply
The company's production capabilities in terms of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) include adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors for clinical trial supply.
Under the terms of the agreement, the German headquartered contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) will make a significant investment at the Stevenage site over the next five years. It will leverage the CGT Catapult’s expertise in ATMP manufacturing setup and technology development, as well as the CGT ecosystem that has developed around that site and across the UK.
Dr Frank Mathias, CEO of Rentschler, said the build would help address the growing industry demand for ATMP manufacturing capacity and viral vector supply. “We look forward to working with the CGT Catapult as we invest in this growing field."
Matthew Durdy, CEO of the CGT Catapult, commented: “This will build new capacity to benefit the international ATMP supply chain and meet growing academic and commercial demand across the industry. As more companies from around the globe come to the UK, it demonstrates and enhances the attractiveness of its cell and gene therapy ecosystem as a place to develop new technologies and capabilities.”
CGT industry in UK maturing at 'a promising rate'
Currently, 27% of European ATMP companies are operating in the UK, and there are more than 90 advanced therapy developers located there, said the CGT Catapult, a center of excellence set up to support the expansion of the UK cell and gene therapy industry.
A report the center published late last year showed the UK's CGT industry is maturing ‘at a promising rate’.
The data indicated a move towards greater commercialization, with 2020 seeing a 48% rise in GMP cell and gene manufacturing space in that market despite the COVID-19 pandemic; the numbers reflected developments such as expansions by Oxford BioMedica and Cobra Biologics.
