The Cooperative Research Centre for Cell Therapy Manufacturing Release: International Regenerative Medicine Groups Form Strategic Alliance To Commercialize Cell Therapies

March 20, 2015 (Toronto, ON) -- The Cooperative Research Centre for Cell Therapy Manufacturing (CTM CRC), in Australia, has formed a strategic alliance with two international regenerative medicine translation centres: the Canadian Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine (CCRM) and the Cell Therapy Catapult in the UK. The alliance will provide CTM CRC, CCRM and the Cell Therapy Catapult a pathway for collaboration to further drive the development and commercialization of cell therapies on a global level.

Cell therapies are being hailed as the next pillar of medicine due to their potential to use living cells to treat and possibly cure previously incurable diseases. CTM CRC, CCRM and the Cell Therapy Catapult are committed to bringing cell therapies to market that will enable the delivery of these life saving benefits to patients. Collaboration between the centres will open the door to new international networks, ideas and technical expertise that will fast-track this vision.

Keith Thompson, CEO of the Cell Therapy Catapult, said: “A high degree of collaboration among leading translational centres can help to advance commercial opportunities. The agreement we have made with CTM CRC will allow us to leverage international research and company networks to deliver health and wealth and fast-track the development of cell therapies for the global market.”

Agreements detailing the terms of this strategic alliance define opportunities for collaboration on potential joint projects and commercial opportunities, including research and development, commercialization, clinical trials, standardization and regulatory efforts, funding, reimbursement strategies, training programs, and other initiatives of mutual interest and benefit.

Michael May, President and CEO of the Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine, welcomed the collaboration saying: “The objectives of each of the centres are very tightly aligned; it makes sense that we would combine our strengths and resources. If we can push the commercialization of promising technologies, not only will it create patient benefits, but there will be economic benefits as well.”

Cell therapy is one of the most anticipated advances of the century, with the global market estimated to grow to US$6.1 billion by 2020. The current level of activity and investment is also at a record high. Many of the world’s largest biomedical and pharmaceutical companies are investing heavily in research and development in cell therapies, including Novartis, Johnson and Johnson, Pfizer, Amgen and GSK. The strategic alliance between CTM CRC, CCRM and the Cell Therapy Catapult will augment each organization’s efforts to capitalize on the opportunities and impact of cell therapies in their respective countries.

“By leveraging our combined international networks and expertise, we are ensuring that our endeavours in this promising field are as efficient and effective as possible, bringing cell therapies to market faster. Successful commercialization of cell therapies will not only benefit patients, but promote the growth of a new, high value-add industry, creating jobs and opportunities for investment,” explained Dr Sherry Kothari, CEO, CTM CRC.

About the CRC for Cell Therapy Manufacturing

Cell therapy, the use of living cells to repair, replace or regenerate diseased or damaged tissue is transforming healthcare paradigms globally. Through intervention with novel coatings and smart materials technologies, the CRC for Cell Therapy Manufacturing will introduce efficiencies in cell therapy manufacturing processes, such as cell isolation, expansion and delivery. This, in turn, will decrease costs associated with manufacturing and facilitate the rapid translation of cell therapies into clinical practice.

About the Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine (CCRM)

CCRM, a Canadian not-for-profit organization funded by the Government of Canada’s Networks of Centres of Excellence program and six academic partners, supports the development of technologies that accelerate the commercialization of stem cell- and biomaterials-based technologies and therapies. A network of academics, industry and entrepreneurs, CCRM aims to translate scientific discoveries into marketable products for patients. CCRM launched in Toronto’s Discovery District on June 14, 2011. CCRM is hosted by the University of Toronto.

CCRM focuses on three core development themes: cell reprogramming and engineering; cell manufacturing; and, biomaterials and devices to carry out projects commissioned by academia and industry. CCRM has a fully resourced, 6,000 square foot development facility where all development work takes place. www.ccrm.ca

About the Cell Therapy Catapult

The Cell Therapy Catapult is a centre of translational excellence for cell therapy and regenerative medicine. Its vision is for the UK to be a global leader in the development, delivery and commercialisation of cell therapy, making it a location for business start-up and growth. Based in London at Guy’s Hospital, the centre takes products into early clinical trials, providing clinical, technical, manufacturing, regulatory, health economics and market access expertise. There is a focus on collaboration and lowering barriers to investment and funding, and operations have grown rapidly since inception. UK Trade & Investment has valued the global regenerative medicine industry at just over £500 million, and estimates that it will be generating revenues of over £5 billion by 2021. For more information, please visit: ct.catapult.org.uk

About Catapults

Catapult centres are being established and overseen by Innovate UK as a new addition to its range of programmes to stimulate innovation. They are places where the best of the UK’s innovative businesses and researchers work together to bring new products and services more quickly to commercialisation. Focusing on areas with great market potential, Catapults will open up global opportunities for the UK and generate economic growth for the future. For more information, please visit:

www.catapult.org.uk

About Innovate UK

Innovate UK is the new name for the Technology Strategy Board – the UK’s innovation agency. Taking a new idea to market is a challenge. Innovate UK funds, supports and connects innovative businesses through a unique mix of people and programmes to accelerate sustainable economic growth. For further information, please visit: www.innovateuk.org

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