Cell and gene therapy manufacturing consultancy eXmoor pharma has announced a strategic collaboration with Karoo CGT to accelerate the huge potential of UK gene therapies coming out of academia.

The funding gap between academic research and an investable proposition after Phase I/II trials is well reported. Karoo is building the expertise and infrastructure necessary to provide a fully integrated service to industry and academic programmes, from process review and development, to GLP and GMP manufacturing, through to clinical development and regulatory approval.

Ian Rhodes, CEO of Karoo, said: "We are delighted to be partnering with eXmoor, a company with a well-deserved reputation as a leader in the field of gene therapy commercialisation."

eXmoor will provide process development services from its labs in Bristol, UK, to translate therapies from research into GMP manufacturing, ensuring scalability, risk/cost reduction and GMP compliance.

The consultancy will also design and project manage Karoo’s new manufacturing facility in Bristol. Patients will benefit from this collaboration as these gene therapies are accelerated through to commercialisation.

Angela Osborne, eXmoor managing director, said: “We fully support Karoo’s strategy to commercialise more of the UK’s excellent research for the benefit of patients and the economy.

“eXmoor is really pleased to be able to help with process development and facility design services, which will also support the company’s growth plans, particularly for our commercialisation labs.”

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