Thermo Fisher and UCSF Enter into Alliance to Accelerate Cell Therapy Development

Thermo Fisher Scientific announced on May 19, 2021 that it has entered into a strategic alliance with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) to accelerate the development and manufacturing of cell therapies.

Under the terms of the agreement, Thermo Fisher will construct and operate a 44,000-ft² cell therapy development, manufacturing, and collaboration center on UCSF's Mission Bay campus, Thermo Fisher said in a company press release. The site, which is expected to open in 2022, will feature clinical and commercial current good manufacturing practice [CGMP] cell therapy manufacturing services, along with associated technology development support, to UCSF and other partners. The facility will also provide UCSF researchers with access to Thermo Fisher's portfolio of cell therapy systems reagents, consumables, and fit-for-purpose instrumentation and compliant software.

"We are bringing together UCSF's leadership in the newest forms of cellular immunotherapy and Thermo Fisher's extensive capabilities in cell therapy instrumentation, manufacturing, and distribution," said Mark Stevenson, executive vice-president and chief operating officer of Thermo Fisher Scientific, in the press release. "This powerful combination will provide customers—from emerging biotechs to large pharma companies—with integrated, end-to-end solutions to reduce costs and accelerate adoption of cell therapies, ultimately improving patient access to these transformative treatments."

"We expect breakthrough treatments for many different diseases and conditions to come from cell therapies,” added Sam Hawgood, chancellor of UCSF, in the press release. “Establishing cell therapy manufacturing in such close proximity to our scientists, clinicians, and patients will enable UCSF to catalyze innovation in living therapeutics and use the resulting discoveries to benefit our patients."

Source: Thermo Fisher