The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult), an independent innovation and technology organisation specialising in the advancement of cell and gene therapies, has opened a facility in the Edinburgh BioQuarter, its first site in Scotland.
The new laboratories and offices were opened by Michael Matheson, Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care.
The CGT Catapult aims to provide expertise, resources and technology to help cell therapy developers improve their manufacturing processes and navigate the complex regulatory requirements involved in bringing their therapies to market.
Cell therapies are treatments which repair or replace cells and tissues to either restore normal function or enhance their ability to fight diseases, such as cancer.
Edinburgh has become a world-leading hub for stem cell research, and the new space, located in the University of Edinburgh’s Institute of Regeneration and Repair, will build on and support the region’s academic strength.
The 350m2 high-specification laboratory space is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies to help cell therapy developers establish robust manufacturing processes for their therapies. Technical and clinical adoption experts will support bringing cell therapies to clinical trials and the market.
Dr Susan Bodie, Head of Business Development for the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine at Edinburgh Innovations, said:
Edinburgh’s innovative cell and gene research is world-leading, and bringing industry, the public sector and academia together in the same physical space at Bioquarter will accelerate its translation into healthcare solutions that improve lives worldwide.”
The space also includes a Universal Design Lab which has been designed for scientists with and without disabilities to work side by side.
As well as working with the advanced therapies industry in north of the UK, the CGT Catapult hopes the new laboratory and offices will also help attract international companies to the area.
Michael Matheson, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care, said:
I am thrilled to be opening the new Edinburgh Laboratories for the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult. Their innovative work is not solely focused on industry and research, but with working closely with the NHS and academic partners, to ensure our health care systems are prepared for the future.”
Professor David Argyle, Vice-Principal and Head of College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, said:
Collaboration is at the core of successful research and innovation. This new facility will support Edinburgh’s thriving cell and gene therapy sector, working in partnership with the University’s clinicians and scientists to translate world-class stem cell research into the clinic and bring new therapies to patients.”
Matthew Durdy, Chief Executive of the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult said:
Edinburgh is home to a thriving life sciences cluster, with leading academics, clinicians and therapy developers all working in close proximity. By joining the Edinburgh BioQuarter, we hope to accelerate the continued growth and success of this cluster by providing access to the resources and knowledge needed to bring new cell therapies to the market.”
Main picture: (L-R) Michael Matheson MSP, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care; Dr Jacqueline Barry, Chief Clinical Officer, Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult; Matthew Durdy, Chief Executive of the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult
The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult
University of Edinburgh’s Institute of Regeneration and Repair
