Innovation Hubs for Gene Therapies: Survey of academic gene therapy viral vector needs

Overview

About the Innovation Hubs for Gene Therapies

The Innovation Hubs for Gene Therapies are helping academic researchers across the UK to take their gene therapy research into clinical trials, by providing access to high-quality viral vectors and essential translational support and regulatory advice.

The Network was set up in 2021 through £18m funding from the medical research charity LifeArc, the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

The Network produces high-quality lentivirus and enables access to plasmids and reagents at small scales specifically for academic use, and will start AAV production in 2023.

The Hubs, located in Bristol, London and Sheffield, are based in academic and healthcare centres of excellence, bringing together staff with high-level expertise. Academics can trust in the advice and support provided to help them take their research through to early-stage clinical trials. The Hubs work flexibly to meet the needs of researchers and by providing timely access to materials, provide the reliability that will benefit researchers in their funding applications.

For more information, please visit: www.genetherapyhubs.uk or email: viralvector@mrc.ukri.org

Why your views matter

The purpose of this survey is to identify researchers or research groups working in the field of gene therapy and to understand their specific viral vector needs. The Network is particularly interested to hear from researchers who may require access to GMP-grade viral vector for pre-clinical and Phase 1 clinical trials in the next 2-5 years. The information gathered via this survey will inform the Network on the demand and needs of the community for such materials.

The Innovation Hubs are keen to speak with researchers at any stage of gene therapy development that are progressing towards pre-clinical and clinical trials. Early engagement with the Network is recommended in order for the Innovation Hubs to provide guidance for such studies and support for funding applications.

In addition to ensuring the Innovation Hubs can meet the needs of the academic community, the results of this survey will help shape a new funding call under development by LifeArc. This call will provide £5M per annum to support gene therapy technologies from preclinical through to Phase 1 clinical studies.