Cryoport and SK pharmteco Partner on Cell and Gene Therapies

Communication between the manufacturing plant and retail stores. | Image Credit: © Cagkan - © Cagkan - stock.adobe.com

Cryoport, a supply-chain service company, and SK pharmteco, a contract development and manufacturing organization, announced on Sept. 25, 2024 that the two companies are entering into a partnership to provide integrated logistics and manufacturing services to bio/pharmaceutical companies. Cryoport will support SK pharmteco by providing end-to-end cell and gene therapy services that include biomaterial collection, shipping systems, data solutions, and bioservices.

“We are delighted to be selected by SK pharmteco in supporting its manufacture of APIs and intermediates, biopharmaceuticals, and cell and gene therapies,” said Jerrell Shelton, CEO of Cryoport, in a press release (1). “Our organizations share a mission to support the life sciences by helping bring lifesaving treatments to patients. This relationship not only extends our reach to more people in need but also aligns with Cryoport’s strategic goal to further diversify and enhance our revenue streams, particularly as we continue to drive higher revenue from the support of commercial cell and gene therapies.”

Dana Cipriano, vice president, Analytical Services for SK pharmteco, added, “The cell and gene therapy industry continues to see substantial growth, and ensuring the safety and integrity of the supply chain is essential for these products. We are dedicated to our clients, and partnering with Cryoport reflects our commitment to providing the highest-quality services that are specifically tailored to meet the needs of our customers and the patients they serve.”

In April 2024, SK pharmteco also entered into an agreement with Ferring Pharmaceuticals to provide scale-up manufacturing capacity for the company’s gene therapy,Adstiladrin (nadofaragene firadenovec-vncg) to ensure long-term supply of the treatment for bladder cancer.

“SK pharmteco is proud to partner with Ferring Pharmaceuticals as a manufacturer of the breakthrough gene therapy Adstiladrin,” said Joerg Ahlgrimm, chief executive officer, SK pharmteco, in a press release at the time of the announcement (2). “Our integrated approach, incorporating customizable clinical and commercial GMP [good manufacturing practice] manufacturing solutions with comprehensive in-process testing, quality control, and lot release programs, provides unparalleled support to our partners throughout their product lifecycle and is in perfect alignment with our mission of expediting the delivery of potentially life-saving therapies to patients across the globe.”

In other company news, SK pharmteco’s facility in Swords, Ireland celebrated its 60th anniversary in August 2024 (3). The Swords facility was acquired in 2018 by SK biotek, and therefore, became the first Korean company in Ireland.

“It is an honor to commemorate 60 years of our Swords facility,” said Joyce Fitzharris, President of SK pharmteco Small Molecule, Europe, and leader of the Swords facility, in the press release. “This milestone is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our employees, who have consistently driven innovation and quality. We are committed to transforming lives through the development of life-impacting therapies, and this anniversary reflects our journey thus far.”

References

1. SK pharmteco. SK pharmteco and Cryoport Partner for Cell and Gene Therapy Logistics and BioServices. Press Release. Sept. 25, 2024.
2. SK pharmteco. Ferring Pharmaceuticals and SK pharmteco Enter into Commercial Gene Therapy Manufacturing Deal. Press Release. April 18, 2024.
3. SK pharmteco. SK pharmteco’s Swords Facility Celebrates 60 Years of Pharmaceutical Excellence. Press Release. Aug. 26, 2024.