ScaleReady Awards G-Rex® Grants to University of Minnesota Researchers
In a significant boost for advanced research in gene therapy, ScaleReady has announced the awarding of G-Rex® Grants to three notable investigators at the University of Minnesota's Center for Genome Engineering. This collaboration with Wilson Wolf Manufacturing and Bio-Techne Corporation (NASDAQ: TECH) enhances the landscape of cell and gene-modified therapy.
Supporting Groundbreaking Cancer Therapies
Among the recipients is Dr. Branden Moriarity, an Associate Professor who has received a G-Rex Grant worth $300,000. His focus is on developing a state-of-the-art hyper-functional Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) Natural Killer (NK) cell therapy aimed at treating advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). This funding will be pivotal in supporting technology transfer and process qualification for a Phase 1 clinical trial.
Another recipient, Dr. Beau Webber, was awarded $240,000 to assist in preclinical development of a tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy. This innovative approach is designed to tackle various solid tumors, showcasing the versatility of the G-Rex platform in addressing multiple cancer types.
Lastly, Dr. Joseph Skeate has secured a $125,000 grant. His research focuses on developing TPP1 expressing T cell therapies aimed at treating Batten Disease, a rare and devastating neurodegenerative condition. The G-Rex Grant will enable him to streamline the manufacturing processes crucial for this therapy.
Community Collaboration and Support
Dr. Moriarity expressed appreciation for the generous funding, highlighting the importance of local partnerships. He emphasized the collective effort to enhance cell and gene therapy capabilities by leveraging the resources and expertise of Wilson Wolf and Bio-Techne.
John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Wolf, praised Minnesota's rich history in cell therapy innovation, dating back to the first successful bone marrow transplant in 1968. He underscored the importance of supporting leading researchers at the Center for Genome Engineering in their quest to develop therapies for harsh diseases.
ScaleReady's G-Rex Grant Program Overview
With over $40 million in commitments to grant recipients, the G-Rex Grant Program continues to be at the forefront of advancing cell and gene-modified therapies. Individual grants can reach up to $300,000, and recipients benefit from invaluable access to ScaleReady’s consortium, which offers cutting-edge tools and expertise in cGMP manufacturing, as well as a plethora of best practices in regulatory affairs.
Recently, ScaleReady has launched a complimentary program in partnership with Hanson Wade, aiming to enhance the efficiency of CGT manufacturing. This initiative, dubbed LEAN Cell & Gene™, invites CGT entities to participate in a series of events designed to help organizations optimize their operations for better quality and streamlined production.
About ScaleReady
ScaleReady stands out as an integral player in the field of cell and gene-modified therapies with its innovative G-Rex centric manufacturing platform. This technology provides organizations with practical, flexible, and scalable solutions needed for drug product development and manufacturing.
The G-Rex platform is utilized by over 800 organizations and plays a crucial role in approximately 50% of CGT clinical trials, further cementing its status as a leading technology in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are G-Rex Grants?
G-Rex Grants are financial awards provided to support innovative research in cell and gene therapies, aimed at furthering advancements in these fields.
How much funding can recipients of G-Rex Grants receive?
Each G-Rex Grant can provide support of up to $300,000, helping researchers in their quest for breakthrough therapies.
Who are the main collaborators in the G-Rex Grant Program?
The G-Rex Grant Program is a collaboration between ScaleReady, Wilson Wolf Manufacturing, and Bio-Techne Corporation.
What areas of treatment do the grants support?
The grants support a range of therapies targeting various cancers and rare diseases, such as epithelial ovarian cancer and Batten Disease.
What is the purpose of the LEAN Cell & Gene™ program?
The LEAN Cell & Gene™ program is designed to help CGT entities optimize their manufacturing processes by systematically identifying and eliminating waste.
