Charles River Laboratories International and BioTech Social have announced the exploration of a potential client-centric collaboration to enable Charles River incubator (CIP) and accelerator (CAP) programme participants to access the BioTech Funding Portal, an investment crowdfunding platform for life science companies.
“We’re thrilled to explore this collaboration that will open up an exciting new funding pathway to bridge innovation with the right audiences and investors."
"This dynamic approach would potentially streamline the delivery of medicine to patients,” said Kerstin Dolph, Corporate Senior Vice President, Global Manufacturing, Charles River.
“We’re always working to equip our clients with the tools and opportunities they need to fast-track drug development and therapies.”
If formalised, the contemplated strategic partnership would allow early-stage cell and gene therapy (CGT) developers to raise up to $5 million per year via the platform, accelerating development and enabling therapies to reach patients more quickly, because every moment matters.
The BioTech Funding Portal, a subsidiary of BioTech Social, exclusively lists life sciences companies, like participants of the CIP and CAP programmes, acting as a conduit for crowdfunding of emerging biotech companies.
“The mission of the BioTech Funding Portal is to harness the power of non-accredited investors to support research that might otherwise go unfunded – despite it addressing clear, unmet medical needs,” said Neva West, PhD, CEO of BioTech Funding Portal.
“Through our potential partnership with the CIP and CAP programmes, we aim to help selected applicants cross the notorious funding valley of death that so often threatens innovative, early stage companies.”
Committed to catalysing CGTs from discovery to commercialisation
The CIP and CAP programmes were established in 2024, enabling developers to form a strong foundation for commercial viability.
Benefits of both programmes include consultative regulatory and quality expertise, as well as access to laboratory space and equipment.
Building on the success of the inaugural CIP cohort, announced in April 2025, developers are now invited to apply for the next cohort.
Subject to further agreement, applications may be jointly evaluated by Charles River and BioTech Social and possibly shortlisted in conjunction with the upcoming European Cell and Gene Therapy Summit in September.
Chih-Wen Ni, founder and CEO, NVI Therapeutics, and a participant in CIP, notes: "As a new pharmaceutical company, there are many aspects where you need consulting support."
"For instance, navigating regulations and conducting pre-clinical studies require expert assistance. Charles River is a leading contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), and their support is invaluable. I look forward to utilising it to guide my company through the entire process.”
Cell and gene therapy CDMO solutions
Charles River has significantly broadened its cell and gene therapy portfolio with several acquisitions and expansions to simplify complex supply chains and meet growing demand for plasmid DNA, viral vector, and cell therapy services.
Combined with the company’s legacy discovery, safety, and testing capabilities, Charles River offers an industry leading “concept to cure” advanced therapies solution.