Introduction:
The article discusses the opening of Innovation Hubs for Gene Therapies in the U.K., which aim to accelerate the development of gene therapies led by academia. These dedicated manufacturing facilities, funded by an independent research charity and two public funding bodies, offer a range of services to support gene therapy research and development.
- The Innovation Hubs for Gene Therapies in the U.K. have recently started providing services to academia-led gene therapy projects.
- The hubs offer lentiviral vector manufacturing and the capacity to manufacture adeno-associated viruses (AAV) in both adherent and suspended cell cultures.
- Early projects at the hubs are focused on rare diseases, as the independent research charity co-funding the project has a major focus on these disorders.
- The priority for the hubs is to provide services to U.K. academia but they are also open to industrial and overseas projects if manufacturing slots are available.
- The hubs aim to address challenges faced by academia in commercializing gene therapies, such as securing manufacturing slots and transitioning to good manufacturing practices (GMP).
Conclusion:
The U.K. Innovation Hubs for Gene Therapies are now operational, offering valuable services to support academia-led gene therapy projects. These facilities specialize in manufacturing lentiviral vectors and adeno-associated viruses, with a particular focus on rare diseases. By providing expertise and resources, the hubs aim to accelerate the development and commercialization of gene therapies, ultimately benefiting patients in need of innovative treatments.
