Cell and gene therapy manufacturing: the next generation of startups
Posted: 20 June 2023In the middle of 2023, Gwendolyn Wu at Biopharma Dive did an overview of the next generation of startups in the cell and gene therapy (CGT) sector. We were thrilled to be mentioned in this article and will continue working to fulfill our promises to the industry.
With over 2,200 cell and gene therapy (CGT) clinical trials underway at the end of 2023, demand now exceeds the capacities of large contract manufacturers. Fortunately, several new companies headed by industry veterans and funded by top venture firms are working to not only add more capacity physically and through advances in process technology so startups can have access to advanced manufacturing capabilities too.
ElevateBio, Landmark Bio, and Shape Therapeutics have been around for a few years. The first two help startups with laboratory studies at the earliest project phases to support development of cost-effective processes and successful tech-transfer to these CDMOs at the appropriate stage. Shape does its own research but is building a new facility where it will also provide customer manufacturing services.
VintaBio, Vector BioMed, and Ascend all launched in 2023. VintaBio was started by University of Pennsylvania researchers who worked on products that have been commercialized, while Vector BioMed focuses on lentiviral vector development and manufacturing.
Ascend launched using an acquisition model to focus on adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors and is building on technologies and capacities acquired from Freeline Therapeutics. The company already has significant funding and is led by industry veterans.