13 May, 2019 - Oxford. Oxford Genetics announces a collaboration with the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult) to develop scalable Lentiviral manufacturing processes based on Oxford Genetics’ proprietary Lentiviral production technology, and stable cell line solutions.Oxford Genetics technologies aim to deliver transformational solutions to the cell and gene therapy industry, enabling the development of existing and novel therapies in a more scalable and efficient way.Their collaboration with CGT Catapult will bring together leading expertise in viral vector engineering and cell line development from Oxford Genetics, with high quality scale-up experience from CGT Catapult.About the project Tom Payne, CSO at Oxford Genetics, said‘Recent clinical outcomes, notably relating to autologous CAR-T therapies, are driving the demand for a robust, scalable, and cost-efficient manufacturing process for Lentiviral vectors. This collaboration will facilitate generating process datasets and scale-up approaches using Oxford Genetics proprietary technologies. Stable cell lines and use of fully animal component-free, suspension processes will drive the industry forward and address current limitations in manufacturing capacities.’Keith Thompson, CEO at CGT Catapult, said‘CGT Catapult established a dedicated viral vector capability in 2016 in response to the expansion of gene therapies and industry concerns that the manufacture of viral vectors could be a barrier to industry growth. We are pleased to be working with innovative companies such as Oxford Genetics and using these capabilities to develop solutions to support the industry scale up the supply of gene therapies.’A word from Ryan Cawood, CEO at Oxford Genetics. ‘We enable our customers’ ground-breaking treatments to reach the clinic by optimising production efficiency, making gene therapies commercially viable and practically achievable. We are delighted when we can collaborate on projects with parties like CGT Catapult who complement our skills to drive progress.’About Oxford GeneticsOxford Genetics operates in the synthetic biology sector providing world leading technologies and advanced techniques for drug and gene therapy development, lowering cost and human error through increased predictability, robustness and scalability.Grown from the foundations of patented DNA engineering methods, the company offers a suite of novel solutions for gene therapy drug discovery, antibody therapy development and CRISPR gene editing.Leading scientific techniques applied in combination with advanced automated platforms drive the rational design of complex biologics and their associated production processes.About Cell and Gene Therapy CatapultThe Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult was established as an independent centre of excellence to advance the growth of the UK cell and gene therapy industry, by bridging the gap between scientific research and full-scale commercialisation.With more than 180 employees focusing on cell and gene therapy technologies, it works with partners in academia and industry to ensure these life-changing therapies can be developed for use in health services throughout the world.It offers leading-edge capability, technology and innovation to enable companies to take products into clinical trials and provide clinical, process development, manufacturing, regulatory, health economics and market access expertise.Its aim is to make the UK the most compelling and logical choice for UK and international partners to develop and commercialise these advanced therapies. The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult works with Innovate UK. For more information please visit ct.catapult.org.uk or visit http://www.gov.uk/innovate-uk.Source: https://www.oxfordgenetics.com/Articles/News/Cell-and-Gene-Therapy-Catapult-collaboration