#CAR T-cell Therapy #Egypt #Cairo #Porton Advanced #EVA Pharma

Enhancing CAR T-Cell Therapy Access in the Middle East and Africa

In a significant move for cancer treatment accessibility, Porton Advanced Solutions and EVA Pharma have formalized their commitment to improving CAR T-cell therapy availability across the Middle East and Africa (MEA). This collaboration, marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), aims to harness cutting-edge technologies for the benefit of patients suffering from blood cancers, particularly leukemia.

Collaboration Overview

On June 26, 2025, in a shared initiative between Suzhou, China, and Cairo, Egypt, representatives from both organizations met to finalize their partnership. Porton Advanced Solutions, a leader in cell and gene therapy contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), is set to collaborate closely with EVA Pharma, a notable player in the pharmaceutical industry that focuses on healthcare innovation in the MEA region.

The MOU aims specifically at enhancing the development and manufacturing capabilities of CAR T-cell therapies at EVA Pharma's facilities. Porton Advanced will provide its expertise in creating lentiviral vectors, which are crucial for producing effective CAR T-cell therapies.

Impact on Patients

Riad Armanious, CEO of EVA Pharma, emphasized the essential nature of this partnership by stating, "Patients battling cancer deserve more than hope; they deserve access to innovations once thought out of reach." This sentiment encapsulates the goal of ensuring that advanced therapeutic options are not only available but also tailored to meet the needs of local populations.

Andrew Chen, CFO of Porton Advanced, echoed this ambition, stating, "We are excited to collaborate with EVA Pharma to make transformative cell therapies more accessible." This partnership is aimed at establishing a model for sustainable therapy production that aligns with global efforts to increase access to advanced immunotherapies, especially in regions that traditionally lack the necessary infrastructure.

Local Production and Quality Standards

One of the primary objectives of this partnership is to establish localized production hubs in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. This strategic move is expected to significantly reduce costs associated with CAR T-cell therapies, thereby enabling more patients to benefit from these innovative treatments. Additionally, it aims to shorten treatment timelines, which can be critical for patients facing life-threatening conditions.

The collaboration between Porton Advanced and EVA Pharma combines Porton's sophisticated know-how in viral vector and CAR-T cell therapy production with EVA Pharma’s extensive regional presence and manufacturing capabilities. Together, they are committed to maintaining the highest quality standards for these life-saving therapies.

About the Partners

EVA Pharma is committed to improving access to affordable, high-quality medicines globally with a focus on innovation, development, and sustainable access. They operate cutting-edge research centers in the region, focusing on therapeutic areas such as oncology, respiratory conditions, and metabolic health, among others. With an impressive workforce, EVA Pharma produces over one million healthcare products daily, contributing to vital healthcare needs in over 70 countries.

Porton Advanced Solutions is a subsidiary of the globally recognized Porton Pharma Solutions, specializing in comprehensive end-to-end solutions for gene therapies. Their expertise spans from drug discovery and clinical research to commercial production, positioning them at the forefront of the biotechnology landscape. With state-of-the-art facilities, they have successfully collaborated with numerous international biotech firms, driving innovative solutions in therapeutic development.

Conclusion

The MOU between Porton Advanced Solutions and EVA Pharma represents a critical step towards advancing cancer care in the Middle East and Africa. By enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of CAR T-cell therapies, this partnership not only promises to bring hope to patients but also sets a benchmark for future healthcare collaborations in the region. As both companies move forward, they remain dedicated to their mission of delivering effective and accessible treatments to those in need, further solidifying their commitment to public health across borders.