Cell Therapy Catapult to work with GSK
Also publishes databases of cell therapy preclinical research and clinical trials
The Cell Therapy Catapult (CTC), which is focused on the development of the UK cell therapy industry, is to work with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to explore potential collaborations in areas relevant to the development of cell therapies, from research projects to technical and regulatory strategy.
GSK is currently developing a bone marrow-derived stem cell gene therapy through late phase development and has a small number of collaborations in this field.
The CTC has also published its database of ongoing preclinical research in cell therapy in the UK, which details 37 projects. CTC says these projects are two years or less from the clinic, and will be used to track cell therapy trends and to guide the future activities of the CTC. The CTC has also updated its complementary UK Clinical Trials Database.
Key findings from the CTC UK Preclinical Research Database reveal that a research organisation is sponsoring the majority (92%) of projects and autologous and allogeneic cell types are represented approximately equally.
The database also reveals that diverse cell types are being investigated, with bone marrow and T cells dominating; and there is significant activity in oncology, cardiovascular, ophthalmology and bone/cartilage areas.
The UK Preclinical Research Database paints a clear picture of the rich cell therapy science base in the UK
The database includes all university and commercial preclinical projects ongoing in the UK regardless of the nationality of the sponsor, and covers those aimed at developing a therapeutic, rather than platform projects.
The update to the UK Clinical Trials Database reveals that there are 34 cell therapy clinical trials ongoing in the UK, up from 24 in November 2012, of which 76% are sponsored by a research institution. Of the 6 commercial sponsors, 4 are UK companies. There is also a 2:1 split between autologous and allogeneic therapies.
This database now includes 31 early stage (Phase I, I/II or II) trials, compared with 19 in November 2012, and three late stage trials, compared with 2 last year.
Keith Thompson, CEO of the Cell Therapy Catapult, said: ‘The UK Preclinical Research Database paints a clear picture of the rich cell therapy science base in the UK, and provides us with an indicator of future clinical trends.
‘In turn, the updated UK Clinical Trials Database continues to highlight the opportunity to convert early stage trials into late-stage studies and commercial products. Both databases are an important part of our engagement with the UK cell therapy community, which we thank for its ongoing input and comments.’
