UK companies, working with research organisations, can apply for a share of up to £30 million to support the creation of a network of advanced therapies treatment centres in the UK.
As part of the life sciences industrial strategy, Innovate UK has launched a competition through which UK companies, working with research organisations, can apply for a share of up to £30 million to support the creation of a network of advanced therapies treatment centres in the UK.
Advanced therapies are new and emerging medicines with potential uses in treating forms of blindness, cancer, heart failure, liver disease, neurological conditions and rare paediatric diseases. The network of Advanced Therapy Treatment Centres will be responsible for developing the systems and infrastructure to support delivery of cell and gene therapies, including final manufacture and supply, clinical trial capability, R&D approval, specialist clinician availability and support services.
The key to the success of the initiative will be a coordinated and efficient network of three centres. The network will set the UK apart globally for the delivery of clinical trials and the routine clinical delivery of cell and gene therapies. CGT Catapult will play a central coordinating role for the network as well as providing manufacturing, supply chain and reimbursement support.
Innovate UK is looking to fund activities that:
- increase patient access to advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) on a national level
- establish best practice for the safe and effective delivery of ATMPs to patients
- establish best practice for the manufacturing and final preparation of ATMPs using Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) within a clinical setting
- establish robust connected supply chains for the manufacture and delivery of ATMPs
- create systems to allow traceability and tracking of ATMPs. These must be compatible with current regulations and be suitable for applying across the NHS
- establish best practice for patient follow up and data capture
The funding will be delivered through a competitive process managed by Innovate UK with widespread industry involvement to develop and implement the new systems needed to allow these centres to operate.
Important information:
- Competition opens: 29th September 2017
- Project start date: noon 1st February 2018
- Interview panel: 27th – 28th November 2017
- Applicants informed: 8th December 2017
If you are interested in learning more about the competition and potential partners please contact Dr Jacqueline Barry, Chief Clinical Officer.