CiRA Foundation and the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult set to launch new stem cell collaborative research
The companies will combine their expertise to explore novel methods to characterise pluripotent stem cells for the manufacture of regenerative medicine products.
Kyoto, Japan and London, UK, 12 May 2020 – CiRA Foundation and the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult) are launching a new collaborative research project focused on induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell characterisation. The project aims to further the application of iPS cell technologies for the manufacture of regenerative medicine products.
Shinya Yamanaka, M.D., Ph.D., Representative Director, CiRA Foundation
“We are very pleased to start our first collaborative research project since the launch of CiRA_F with Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, an institution whose world-class expertise in the cell therapy field is dedicated to the stimulation of partnership between academia and industry. We hope that results of this collaborative project aimed at the advancement of the clinical application of iPS cells will result in substantial progress towards commercialization of regenerative medicine.”
Matthew Durdy, Chief Executive Officer, Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult
“We are honoured to collaborate with CiRA Foundation, an organisation with world-leading capabilities in iPS cell technology, and to be the first group to utilise CiRA’s innovative iPS cell lines outside of Japan. This is a truly exciting project to help further the application and manufacture of iPS cells into cell therapies. We look forward to progressing this promising research together, which has potential benefits for the global advanced therapies industry.”
The fourth from the left: Matthew Durdy, CEO, CGT Catapult
Center: Dr. Shinya Yamanaka, Director, CiRA_F
About CiRA Foundation
The CiRA Foundation (CiRA_F) is a public interest incorporated foundation that started its activities independently from Kyoto University in April 2020 with the principle of delivering optimal iPS cell technology at a reasonable price. CiRA_F continues the iPS Cell Stock for Regenerative Medicine Project, started by the Kyoto University’s Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA) since 2013. The aim of this project is to prepare multiple iPS cell lines, manufactured from healthy donors homozygous for human leukocyte antigen (HLA), which expands the number of people who can receive the cells in a therapy without a severe immune reaction, and provide them to academia or industries.
About the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult
The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult was established as an independent center of excellence to advance the growth of the UK cell and gene therapy industry, by bridging the gap between scientific research and full-scale commercialization. With more than 200 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
Contacts;
Planning Promotion Office, CiRA Foundation (CiRA_F)
TEL: 075-761-3363
Email: promotion-g@cira-foundation.or.jp
FTI Consulting for the CGT Catapult:
Michael Trace +44 (0) 203 319 5674 / michael.trace@fticonsulting.com
George Kendrick +44 (0) 203 319 5674 / george.kendrick@fticonsulting.com
