ScaleReady Awards Multiple G-Rex Grants to Leading Researchers
ScaleReady has recently announced the awarding of three G-Rex Grants to exceptional faculty members at the University of Southern California (USC) and the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA). In collaboration with Wilson Wolf Manufacturing and Bio-Techne Corporation (NASDAQ: TECH), this initiative aims to support promising advancements in cell and gene therapy, with a total funding amounting to $1,025,000.
Funding for Innovative Research
The first grant, worth $300,000, has been awarded to Dr. Mohamed Abou-el-Enein, the Executive Director of the USC/CHLA Cell Therapy Program. This funding will aid in the development of a novel non-viral manufacturing platform specifically designed for CAR-T cell therapies. This initiative is set to complement initial funding received from the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), which underscores the importance of enhancing the platform's capabilities.
Enhancing CAR-T Cell Manufacturing
Dr. Abou-el-Enein remarks, "After extensive evaluation, we've identified the G-Rex system as the most viable option for creating an efficient and scalable CAR-T manufacturing process. This platform not only facilitates high-yield cell expansion but also provides robust scalability and commendable consistency, all within a compact framework. Our transition to this platform marks a significant move towards establishing a center of excellence in CAR-T manufacturing, helping teams deliver life-saving therapies to patients."
Groundbreaking Clinical Trials
In another significant development, Dr. Saul Priceman, who leads the Cancer Cellular Immunotherapy Research at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, received a G-Rex Grant of $275,000. This funding is pivotal for advancing a novel CAR-T cell therapy into early-stage clinical trials focused on treating metastatic solid cancers. Their current exploratory efforts also include investigating innovative engineering strategies, with the G-Rex platform addressing current manufacturing challenges effectively.
Translating Research into Treatment
Dr. Priceman shared, "Our experience thus far has utilized conventional cell manufacturing methods, but we are enthusiastic about the potential of leveraging the G-Rex production system in our translational research. This opportunity will enhance our capacity to innovate within cancer therapy across USC and CHLA campuses."
Projects Aimed at Pediatric Treatments
Dr. Shahab Asgharzadeh, heading the Neuroblastoma Basic and Translational Program at CHLA, has been awarded a G-Rex Grant of $250,000. This grant will facilitate late-stage preclinical development of a novel CAR-T cell therapy specifically targeting children and adolescents with recurrent solid tumors, further supported by an existing CIRM CLIN1 Grant.
Advancing Solid Tumor Therapies
In addition, Dr. Preet Chaudhary from the Nohl Division of Hematology at USC received a G-Rex Grant of $200,000 designated for IND submission and developmental processes of a new Synthetic Immune Receptor (SIR) engineered T cell therapy aimed at treating solid tumors, bolstered by support from a CIRM TRAN1 Grant.
Recognizing Excellence in CGT
John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Wolf, expressed his admiration for the USC and CHLA teams, stating, "The collaboration amongst these innovative minds in cell therapy is set to make a lasting impact in the field of cell and gene-modified therapies. We are honored to have G-Rex selected as a key platform in supporting their clinical aspirations."
G-Rex Grant Program Expansion
The G-Rex Grant Program, a cornerstone of ScaleReady's commitment to advancing cell and gene therapy development, offers individual grants of up to $300,000. With nearly 200 awards distributed and many more applications awaited, the program promises continued growth with substantial funding resources available for further initiatives. G-Rex Grant Recipients also benefit from ScaleReady's extensive network of partners that provide premier tools, technologies, and expertise in the realms of manufacturing and regulatory affairs.
About ScaleReady
ScaleReady specializes in developing a G-Rex-centric manufacturing platform that sets new standards for viability, flexibility, and affordability in cell and gene-modified therapy production. This state-of-the-art platform is already in use by over 800 organizations, contributing to approximately 50% of clinical trials in this transformative field and supporting five commercially approved cellular therapies.
Conclusion
With such innovative programs, ScaleReady is helping reshape the future of therapy, providing immense potential savings in both time and costs for entities engaged in cell and gene therapy commercialization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the G-Rex Grants?
The G-Rex Grants are financial awards provided by ScaleReady to support research and development in cell and gene-modified therapies.
Who are the recent grant recipients?
Recent recipients include researchers from USC and CHLA, such as Dr. Mohamed Abou-el-Enein and Dr. Saul Priceman.
How much funding is available through G-Rex Grants?
Each G-Rex Grant can award up to $300,000 to support various research initiatives.
What is the significance of the G-Rex platform?
The G-Rex platform enhances the efficiency and scalability of producing CAR-T cell therapies, which is vital for advancing clinical research.
How does ScaleReady support grant recipients?
ScaleReady provides access to a consortium of partners offering cutting-edge tools, technologies, and expertise related to CGT manufacturing and regulatory processes.
