Nanoscope is advancing a pipeline of gene therapies against retinal degenerative diseases that is led by a treatment for retinitis pigmentosa (RP). With a Phase 2b/3 clinical trial of the RP candidate scheduled to post data early next year, the biotech has partnered with Charles River to access contract development and manufacturing services.
“We are excited to continue to support Nanoscope Therapeutics’ efforts in the production of gene therapies that are focused on restoring vision for people suffering from retinal degenerative diseases with no known cure. Their work is incredibly important to patients, and we look forward to continuing to serve as a partner,” said Kerstin Dolph, corporate senior vice president, biologics solutions, Charles River.
Charles River will support Nanoscope with good manufacturing practice (GMP) cell banking, high quality and GMP-grade plasmid DNA manufacture, and GMP adeno-associated virus (AAV) production. Covering both plasmid DNA and viral vectors, the collaboration taps into the breadth of services that Charles River has built up recently and that Nanoscope will need to advance its AAV2 gene therapies.
Best known as a provider of preclinical services, Charles River made a play for the fast-growing cell therapy, viral vector, and plasmid DNA production markets last year by acquiring Cognate BioServices, Cobra Biologics, and Vigene Biosciences.
The service provider has used the acquired capabilities to establish an AAV vector platform designed to reduce the time from process development to GMP by 55% and to deliver a drug product in fewer than eight months.
Charles River has also continued to add capacity since closing the deals, including by setting up a facility close to Cobra’s base in the UK. The new facility, which is located at the former AstraZeneca campus at Alderley Park, opened over the summer after a £7m ($8m) investment in new equipment.