#Qatar #Doha #CAR-T therapy #G-Rex Grant #Sidra Medicine

Sidra Medicine Awarded G-Rex® Grant for Pediatric Oncology

In a significant leap for healthcare innovation, Sidra Medicine, located in Qatar, has recently received a $100,000 G-Rex Grant. This grant, awarded in collaboration with ScaleReady, Wilson Wolf Manufacturing, Bio-Techne Corporation, and CellReady, is set to empower the hospital in developing and implementing a cutting-edge CAR-T cell production platform that will primarily benefit pediatric cancer patients.

What is CAR-T Therapy?

CAR-T therapy, or Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy, is a groundbreaking treatment that harnesses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. By genetically modifying a patient’s T-cells to target specific cancer cells, this therapy has shown considerable promise, especially in treating certain forms of leukemia and lymphoma. The G-Rex Grant will enable Sidra Medicine to focus on CD19 CAR-T cell therapy products, enhancing preclinical development processes

Significance of the Grant

The G-Rex Grant will not only facilitate the development and validation of this innovative therapy but also provide Sidra Medicine with early access to the G-CART™ process under development at CellReady. This access is crucial as it represents a partnership with the world’s first G-Rex-centric contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO). Moreover, the grant will support the establishment of a fully closed, semi-automated G-Rex production system, compliant with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs).

Dr. Sara Deola, Research Investigator at Sidra Medicine, highlights the importance of this grant, stating: "Sidra Medicine is a pioneering healthcare institution that has innovation weaved into the very core of its precision medicine program. The G-Rex Grant will play a key role in accelerating the readiness of our protocols, particularly for our pediatric oncology program."

A Transformative Partnership

The collaborative nature of this grant is what sets it apart. John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Wolf and co-inventor of G-Rex, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating: "Sidra Medicine quickly recognized the full spectrum of advantages that our G-Rex-centric manufacturing process offers relative to alternatives, setting the stage for low-cost and fully scalable CAR-T manufacturing in Qatar and the Middle East."

With more than $40 million committed to various G-Rex Grant recipients, the aim of the program is to advance development and manufacturing in the cell and gene therapy (CGT) space. Recipients like Sidra Medicine benefit not only from financial support but also access to a network of best-in-class tools and expertise in quality, regulatory affairs, and CGT operations.

The Future of CGT Manufacturing

To further assist in expanding the capabilities in CGT, ScaleReady has recently launched another free initiative called LEAN Cell Gene™, designed to help CGT entities identify waste, stabilize operations, increase quality, and develop a lean approach to manufacturing. This initiative highlights ScaleReady's ongoing commitment to improving cell therapy solutions globally.

Conclusion

The receipt of the G-Rex Grant by Sidra Medicine marks a pivotal moment for both the institution and the future of CAR-T therapy in the region. Through focused effort and collaboration, there is a promising outlook for better outcomes in pediatric oncology, merging innovative treatment protocols with advanced manufacturing methodologies. This partnership not only aims to transform healthcare capabilities in Qatar but also stands as a beacon of progress for the entire Middle East region.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact ScaleReady or visit their website.