Charles River Laboratories and Genetic Cures for Kids Inc (GC4K), an Australian foundation focused on research programs and clinical trials to find cures for rare diseases, entered a plasmid DNA contract development and manufacturing collaboration.
 
Founded in 2021, GC4K’s mission is to develop a gene therapy for the treatment of Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Type 56 (SPG56), a debilitating neurodegenerative disease that that impacts the ability to walk, talk, and move independently.
 
GC4K is leading a gene therapy program that aims to cure SPG56 as well as to create a replicable framework that paves the way to develop treatments for other genetic diseases.
 
GC4K will leverage Charles River’s plasmid platform, eXpDNA, and premier expertise in plasmid DNA production, including High Quality (HQ) plasmid which combines key features of good manufacturing practice (GMP) manufacture with a rapid turnaround to accelerate time to clinic. 
 
As a critical starting material in the development of cell and gene therapies, in 2022 Charles River opened a state-of-the-art HQ Plasmid Manufacturing Center of Excellence dedicated to addressing global supply shortages and support the growing needs of customers.
 
In recent years, Charles River has significantly broadened its cell and gene therapy portfolio to simplify complex supply chains and meet growing demand for plasmid DNA, viral vector, and cell therapy services.