Avectas, a cell engineering technology business, and CCRM, a leader in developing and commercializing cell and gene therapies, have entered into a collaboration to accelerate the translation of Avectas’ non-viral cell engineering platform (Solupore) into the clinic.
 
Cell and gene therapies offer the potential to dramatically transform the treatment of diseases, including cancer, for millions of patients worldwide. However, a global viral vector shortfall could halt progress in the industry as very few contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) have the capabilities required to manufacture vectors that can deliver molecules to cells.
 
Avectas developed Solupore to address an urgent need for an efficient, non-viral cell engineering solution to facilitate therapeutic development in the areas of immuno-oncology and gene editing. Solupore is designed for use with mRNA, DNA, and proteins, including gene editing tools such as CRISPR. It achieves excellent engineering efficiencies for delivery of these payloads to primary T cells and NK cells for immuno-oncology and gene editing applications.
 
“We are delighted to partner with CCRM to leverage their deep experience in cell manufacturing processes to support the translation of our Solupore platform towards clinical applications,” said Michael Maguire, chief executive officer, Avectas. “Combining Avectas’ novel cell engineering platform and CCRM’s experience in the development of manufacturing processes for cell therapies will accelerate the transfer of the Solupore technology to our development partners.”
 
Michael May, president and chief executive officer, CCRM, said, “This collaboration demonstrates exactly how CCRM is able to support partners and the broader industry. It is evident there is a real need for a non-viral delivery platform to enable the manufacture of these lifesaving cellular therapies and we are eager to receive the Solupore® platform and support the Avectas team in bringing this innovative platform to the clinic.”