Charles River Laboratories has announced the initial cohort of its Incubator Programme (CIP).
The programme offers early-stage biotechnology companies the opportunity to access Charles River's scientific and commercial expertise in drug discovery, development and manufacturing.
Launched in December 2024, the scheme is designed to support biotech companies to develop technologies and therapies quickly and effectively.
Focused on commercial viability, the CIP will initially assist six advanced therapy and technology developers by offering them tailored mentorship, regulatory and quality control expertise, training and preferential access to Charles River's network of facilities.
Included in the cohort are:
- 64x Bio: A biotech who has created an end-to-end platform for the expedition of the design and manufacture of next-gen biologics, including AAVs
- Adjuva Bio: A company developing precision-engineered cell therapies for chronic inflammatory diseases with its LogiCAR platform
- Purilogics by Donaldson: A bioprocessing specialist bringing Purexa membrane chromatography products to the life sciences market with the aim of enhancing efficiency, speed and cost effectiveness of biologics purification
- Gordian Bio: Focused on developing novel therapeutics for chronic conditions, Gordian uses its screening platform to measure in vivo efficacy of thousands of gene targets simultaneously
- NanoPalm: A biotech developing in vivo therapies for genetic diseases with an advanced lipid nanoparticle (LNP) manufacturing process
- NVI Therapeutics: The developer of a non-viral gene insertion technology designed to optimise cell and gene therapy delivery
“We were incredibly impressed with the caliber of applicants for the CIP and are proud of the group chosen to participate in this first round,” said Kerstin Dolph, Corporate Senior VP of Global Manufacturing, Charles River.
“The goal of the CIP is to form a strong foundation for commercial viability as our participants support the development of life-saving therapeutics.”
"Investment in early development is currently limited, so incubator programmes like CIP can play a crucial role in supporting early-stage companies as they refine their products," added Kristen Eisenhauer, Corporate Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Charles River.
"The CIP offers acces to a concept-to-cure portfolio of capabilities unique to Charles River, as well as access to a team of former regulatory advisors and industry scientists with a proven track record of success," she concluded.
In recent years, Charles River has broadened its cell and gene therapy portfolio with several acquisition integrations and internal expansions.