Rentschler Biopharma launches gene therapy subsidiary

Monoclonal antibody specialist Rentschler Biopharma SE is moving forward with the expansion of its geographic footprint and technological porttfolio. Now, the Laupheim-headquartered CDMO added the next logical step to its recent collaborations with the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine developers Biontech and Curevac, whose mRNA jabs are manufactured through a process for in vitro transcription of DNA templates. Creating a new UK subsidiary, Rentschler ATMP Ltd., the CDMO will use an already existing facility for the production of gene and cell therapy vectors at the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult) in Stevenage, UK. The CGT is already home to companies such as Autolus, Adaptimmune or CellMedica.

Over the next five years, Rentschler Biopharma SE’s new Center of Excellence for cell and gene therapy will expand the development and manufacturing capability in Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) and plans to make a significant investment at the site to set up state-of-the-art manufacturing of viral vectors for clinical supply.

Rentschler Biopharma said in a press release that it expects to be ready for cGMP manufacturing by the first half of 2022. Dr. Frank Mathias, CEO of Rentschler Biopharma, said: “With more than 1000 cell and gene therapies currently in clinical development, the demand for manufacturing capabilities and support is ever increasing. Leveraging our specific expertise in process development and manufacturing for challenging molecules with highest quality and within demanding timelines, we are ideally suited to implement this knowledge in the field of viral vector production for new modalities. Our well-planned move into this growing area of biopharmaceuticals fits well with our strategic plans to expand internationally – ensuring proximity to our clients and important biopharma hubs.”