#USA #Philadelphia #gene therapy #Minaris #CGT Catapult

Collaboration to Drive Gene Therapy Advancements

Minaris, a key player in cell and gene therapy (CGT) as a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), recently announced an exciting partnership with the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult). This collaboration aims to innovate and refine delivery systems for cell and gene therapies, focusing on enhancing efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness in the manufacturing processes.

Overview of the Collaboration

On December 18, 2025, in a significant move for the CGT landscape, both organizations revealed plans to strengthen their viral vector capabilities. The partnership will see Minaris relocating its center for viral vector innovation to the CGT Catapult's specialized laboratories in London. This strategic relocation is expected to facilitate the development of lentiviral (LV) assays and processes, which are critical in advancing therapeutic outcomes in CGT.

Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, which operates as an independent technology and innovation hub, aims to enhance its capabilities in the LV area, leveraging Minaris' proprietary processes and extensive expertise. Both companies recognize that lentiviruses and adeno-associated viruses (AAV) play pivotal roles in transporting therapeutic agents into target cells, making this collaboration crucial for the future of gene therapies.

Goals and Objectives

The overarching goal of this partnership is to create technologies that not only improve the manufacturing processes but also enable better analytical capabilities. By merging their resources and knowledge, Minaris and CGT Catapult intend to enhance the productivity, safety, and overall performance of viral vector platforms essential for gene therapies. This effort is crucial for meeting the increasing demands of advanced therapy developers and manufacturers who require robust support in LV and AAV platform integration.

Matthew Durdy, the chief executive of CGT Catapult, remarked, "Minaris' expertise in cell and gene therapies significantly enhances the UK's advanced therapies industry. Our collaboration seeks to make the manufacturing processes of lentivirus efficient, scalable, and safe, ultimately driving forward the development of transformative therapies for patients."

Orla Cloak, CEO of Minaris, stated, "This collaboration with CGT Catapult is a remarkable opportunity. Their mission aligns perfectly with our goal of accelerating therapy development and expanding patient access to transformative treatments. We look forward to utilizing our extensive experience in the CGT industry to work on initiatives that advance vector-based therapeutics."

Future Prospects

As both organizations embark on this journey, the collaboration is anticipated to yield insights and innovations that will pave the way for new manufacturing methodologies in the cell and gene therapy sector. By focusing on the combined strengths of both Minaris and CGT Catapult, they aim to contribute significantly to the progression of life-changing therapies that can address numerous diseases.

In conclusion, the partnership between Minaris and Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult is set to be a game-changer in the field of gene therapy. Their combined efforts not only promise to enhance the quality and efficiency of therapeutic manufacturing but also strive to provide patients with faster and more reliable access to cutting-edge treatments. This collaboration exemplifies the commitment to overcoming current challenges and driving innovations in the dynamic world of gene therapy.