Advancing Australia's cell therapy

The Cooperative Research Centre for Cell Therapy Manufacturing (CTM CRC), GE Healthcare Australia and Health Industries South Australia (HealthInSA) have signed a strategic cooperation agreement outlining a long-term partnership focused on advancing Australia’s cell therapy industry.

The three parties have agreed to work together to further develop their relationships, improve industry networks and leverage their strengths to address industry challenges. This is in line with the companies’ shared vision to drive healthcare improvements through the delivery of cell-based therapeutics.

Specific areas identified for collaboration identified in the agreement include:

• process development and cell therapy manufacturing infrastructure design and supply;
• engagement models for multidisciplinary research and development initiatives;
• access to industry partners, global networks, investment, funding support and training.

“This is an exciting development that will strengthen our overall capability and enable the translation of new technologies into cell therapy manufacturing tools and processes,” said Dr Sherry Kothari, the CEO of CTM CRC.

“CTM CRC has a strong focus on using smart materials technologies to introduce efficiencies and reduce the cost of goods involved in cell therapy manufacturing. Leveraging GE Healthcare’s experience and know-how in process development and manufacturing infrastructure will enhance CTM CRC’s delivery of integrated solutions for this rapidly growing industry.”

The collaboration coincides with the South Australian Government’s identification of cell therapy as “an area with the potential to improve healthcare outcomes and drive economic growth for the region”, according to SA Minister for Health Industries Jack Snelling. Indeed, HealthInSA CEO Marco Baccanti claims the partnership will “competitively position South Australia for the development and growth of a cell therapy industry for Australia and the Asia-Pacific region”.

Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies now have access to the facilities, engineering experience and know-how offered by CTM CRC and GE Healthcare, and the endorsement and incentives offered by the Government of South Australia, to accelerate the research and the scale-up of cell therapies.