Charles River Collaborates to Advance Novel Oncology Research & Development

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. has announced two strategic collaborations across its contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), aimed at advancing novel oncology research and development:

• Forming an alliance with the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy
• Supporting a streamlined manufacturing process for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles’ Phase I Clinical Trials

Alliance with the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy

Charles River has formed a strategic alliance with the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI). This research institute brings together researchers, nonprofits, and industry partners to expedite the delivery of treatments to patients.

As part of the strategic alliance, PICI network members and their companies will have access to Charles River’s portfolio of preclinical drug discovery and development services, ranging from early discovery to manufacturing. As an established cell and gene therapy (C&GT) CDMO and preclinical research partner, Charles River’s integrated approach combines research and development with biologics testing and manufacturing to maximize knowledge transfer, reduce bottlenecks, and accelerate drug development.

“PICI’s mission-focused strategic alliance closely aligns with Charles River’s goal of creating healthier lives,” added Kerstin Dolph, Corporate Senior Vice President, Global Manufacturing, Charles River. “Our extensive work in cell and gene therapy manufacturing, as well as end-to-end discovery and development expertise, provides the institutional knowledge required to drive forward oncology programs, with the ultimate goal of delivering safe, effective treatments to patients.”

Supporting Phase I Clinical Trials with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

Additionally, Charles River’s extensive C&GT capabilities and dedicated CDMO Centers of Excellence will generate materials to support the advancement of a Phase I Clinical Trial at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA).

CHLA is a leading research institution studying solid tumors in children. In 2024, CHLA received a multi-year $6 million award from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) to develop innovative stem cell approaches to treat children and adolescents with recurrent solid tumors.

“We’ve partnered closely with CHLA to develop streamlined manufacturing programs to support the development of starting materials for a Phase I Clinical Trial,” said Dolph. “Our extensive experience provides the institutional knowledge required to support hospitals like Children’s Hospital Los Angeles to accelerate effective treatments to patients.”