#USA #Bio-Techne #G-Rex Grant #St. Paul #Wilson Wolf

Significant G-Rex Grants Awarded to University of Minnesota Researchers

In a groundbreaking initiative, ScaleReady has announced the awarding of significant G-Rex® Grants to three leading researchers at the University of Minnesota's Center for Genome Engineering. This collaboration, which involves partners such as Wilson Wolf Manufacturing and Bio-Techne Corporation, has culminated in a funding total of $665,000 aimed at advancing innovative cellular therapies. The recipients of these grants, Dr. Branden Moriarity, Dr. Beau Webber, and Dr. Joseph Skeate, are recognized for their pioneering work in the field of gene-modified therapies.

Funding Recipients and Their Projects

Dr. Branden Moriarity

Dr. Moriarity, who serves as an Associate Professor and Co-Director of the Center for Genome Engineering, received a generous $300,000 grant. This funding will support his research on a novel hyper-functional Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) Natural Killer (NK) cell therapy, particularly aimed at treating advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). His research seeks to refine technology transfer, enhance process development, and qualify runs for this promising treatment, set to enter a Phase 1 clinical trial soon.

Dr. Beau Webber

Also recognized for his significant contributions, Dr. Webber received $240,000 to push forward the preclinical development of a new tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy. His work targets the treatment of various solid tumors, striving to introduce a transformative strategy in oncological care that leverages the body's immune response.

Dr. Joseph Skeate

Complementing these innovative projects, Dr. Skeate was awarded $125,000 to optimize and develop G-Rex® centric manufacturing processes necessary for producing T cells targeting Batten Disease. This group of rare neurodegenerative disorders typically manifests in early childhood, and Dr. Skeate's research could result in critical advancements for affected families.

Significance of G-Rex Grants

The G-Rex Grant Program is monumental, having surpassed $40 million in product commitments aimed at furthering the advancements in cell and gene-modified therapies (CGT). The grants not only provide essential financial resources but also grant recipients access to ScaleReady's expansive network, which includes support in manufacturing, regulatory affairs, and more.

John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Wolf, expressed his gratitude for the robust collaboration, stating, "This funding will advance diverse portfolios of innovative therapies for devastating diseases, marking a significant step in Minnesota's rich history of cell therapy advancements."

An Inclusive Initiative for CGT Community

In its commitment to advancing cell and gene therapy, ScaleReady has also launched the LEAN Cell Gene™ event series in partnership with Hanson Wade. This initiative invites all CGT stakeholders to learn about improving operational efficiency, enhancing drug quality, and adopting lean methodologies in the development process.

The G-Rex® manufacturing platform has been instrumental for over 800 organizations globally, being notably influential in approximately 50% of ongoing CGT clinical trials as well as several commercially approved CGT drugs. This reflects ScaleReady's position as a leader in providing practical, scalable solutions for CGT development and manufacturing.

Conclusion

The substantial G-Rex Grants awarded to these University of Minnesota researchers signify crucial advancements in therapeutic strategies for cancer and rare diseases. Their efforts not only push the boundaries of current science but also provide hope for many patients facing these challenging health issues. As such research progresses, the collaborative efforts of ScaleReady, Wilson Wolf, Bio-Techne, and the University of Minnesota stand as a testament to the impact of community in scientific discovery and medical innovation.