ROSLINCT and REPROCELL awarded £1.2 million from Innovate UK for clinical-grade stem cell production

10 October 2018

Funding will be used to improve efficiency of induced pluripotent stem cell production

Edinburgh, UK and Glasgow, UK: ROSLINCT, a leading cell and gene therapy contract manufacturing organisation, today announced it is to receive a £1.2 million investment to collaborate with REPROCELL Europe Ltd (REPROCELL), a UK-based stem cell company, on a project which will develop a faster, more cost-effective method of producing clinical-grade induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The investment comes from Innovate UK’s Medicines Manufacturing Round 2 competition, as part of the UK Government investment strategy in developing technology to transform health and social care.

To date, most research into iPSCs, which are considered one of the most promising seed cell sources in regenerative medicine, has been early stage. A major challenge is the production of iPSCs suitable for clinical use. With this investment, ROSLINCT and REPROCELL will develop an innovative strategy for the production of clinical iPSCs, by using a novel, safe RNA-based reprogramming method. This will enable quicker and safer generation of cells for both allogeneic and autologous therapies, and provide scope for commercialisation and licensing of the generated cell lines to the biotechnology sector.

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The iPSCs will provide a suitable starting material for a number of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) that offer ground breaking opportunities for the treatment of life-changing and life-threatening disease and injury, including those where patients’ needs are currently unmet. Bringing together the expertise of ROSLINCT and REPROCELL will provide a step change in the production of clinical grade iPSCs and centre the know-how and manufacturing within the UK.

Janet Downie, CEO of ROSLINCT, said: “This investment provides a fantastic opportunity to combine the expertise of ROSLINCT and REPROCELL, enabling two Scottish SMEs to develop a competitive and disruptive impact on the supply of clinical iPSCs, therefore accelerating the development of potentially life changing therapies.”

Dr David Bunton, CEO of REPROCELL, commented: “The creation of therapeutic stem cells using RNA is the safest and fastest method available. When combined with the automation and manufacturing capabilities of ROSLINCT, we aim to make it easy for companies with new therapies to rapidly and cost-efficiently enter clinical trials and then scale-up for commercial manufacturing.”

For further information please visit: roslinct.com and reprocell.com

Notes to Editors

Image of two scientists wearing protective clothing working inside a fume hood in a dark lab

Photo: GMP Cell Culture
For a high-resolution image please contact lorna.cuddon@zymecommunications.com

For further information, please contact:

Fiona Bellot, Business Development Manager
Tel: +44 (0)131 658 5189
Mobile: +44 (0)7867494071
Email: fiona.bellot@roslinct.com
Web: roslinct.com

Zyme Communications
Lorna Cuddon
Tel: +44 (0)7811 996 942
Email: lorna.cuddon@zymecommunications.com

About ROSLINCT

ROSLINCT is a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO) based in Edinburgh, UK. ROSLINCT offers a range of integrated services from technology transfer, process and assay development through to GMP manufacturing, storage, QP certification and batch release of cell-based therapies for clinical trials.

ROSLINCT has a vision to lead the field in cell and gene therapy manufacturing and be the global partner of choice, building success on expert knowledge, progressive partnerships and with drive to deliver life-changing cell-based products to patients in need. This together with a passion for innovation and a flexible and personalised approach enables ROSLINCT to engage with leading cell and gene therapy developers and to provide support at every step of the cell therapy development journey.

For more information please visit roslinct.com

About REPROCELL Europe

REPROCELL Europe was created on the 1st of July 2016 from the merger of Biopta Ltd and Reinnervate Ltd. REPROCELL Europe offers the full range of life sciences research products and contract research services of the REPROCELL Group Brands (REPROCELL, Biopta, Alvetex, Stemgent and BioServe) to markets worldwide. Through the ongoing research and development synergies within the Group, REPROCELL Europe aims to bring to market further unique products and services to accelerate research in stem cells, drug discovery, human tissues and 3D cell culture.

For more information please visit reprocell.com