Charles River and Captain T Cell Collaborate on Plasmid DNA and Viral Vector Manufacturing for Gene-Modified Cell Therapy
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE: CRL) has entered into an agreement with Captain T Cell, a spin-off from the prestigious Max Delbrück Center in Berlin, Germany, to collaborate on a plasmid DNA and retrovirus vector production program. This partnership will allow Captain T Cell to utilize Charles River’s Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) Accelerator Program (CAP), gaining access to established manufacturing and advisory services as they prepare to produce a TCR-T cell therapy for a Phase I clinical trial aimed at treating solid tumor patients.
Captain T Cell is focused on developing advanced T cell immunotherapies to provide new treatment options for solid tumors. By leveraging next-generation technologies, Captain T Cell engineers T cells to express tumor-specific T cell receptors (TCRs) and to have enhanced durability and the ability to thrive in the hostile environment of solid tumors. These specially engineered T cells are designed to identify and destroy tumor cells, potentially offering a viable treatment for patients whose tumors do not respond to existing therapies.
To move its gene-modified cell therapy into clinical stages, Captain T Cell will rely on Charles River’s extensive production capabilities for plasmid and viral vectors, which have been meticulously developed over many years to support cell and gene therapy developers from the pre-clinical phase through to commercial production.
Charles River has recently expanded its cell and gene therapy services through multiple acquisitions and integrations, simplifying supply chains and addressing the rising demand for services in plasmid DNA, viral vector, and cell therapy production. Coupled with its robust testing capabilities, Charles River provides a comprehensive solution from the initial concept to therapeutic development.
“We are excited to partner with Captain T Cell to support the production of its TCR-T cell cancer immunotherapy. Charles River’s extensive experience in manufacturing plasmid DNA, viral vectors, and cell therapies is crucial in ensuring the success of our partners’ programs and in bringing potential therapies to patients who have few other treatment options,” commented Kerstin Dolph, Corporate Senior Vice President, Global Manufacturing at Charles River.
“Captain T Cell is dedicated to developing innovative T cell-based immunotherapies for patients with solid tumors. We are confident in Charles River’s expertise as we advance our lead candidate towards clinical trials,” said Felix Lorenz, CEO of Captain T Cell.
Source: businesswire.com
