VectorBuilder Inc., a global leader in vector design, optimization and GMP manufacturing, and Landau Biotechnology Co., a world leader in developing nonhuman primate (NHP) models for clinical research applications, have signed a strategic partnership that will establish the world’s first primate gene therapy R&D center. 

The center will build advanced vector screening and optimization platforms to provide unique CRO services to the rapidly growing gene and cell therapy industry. VectorBuilder brings world-leading gene delivery technologies to the venture, while Landau will provide NHP model construction expertise using Macaca fascicularis (crab-eating macaque) and Macaca mulatta (rhesus macaque) species. More specifically, the center will combine directed molecular evolution with in vivo screening in NHPs, resulting in the next generation of gene delivery vectors suitable for human clinical applications. In particular, the center will focus on improving the specificity in tissue targeting and expression pattern of vectors, as well as aiming to reduce toxicity and immunogenicity.

“Nonhuman primates share high degrees of similarities with humans in terms of anatomy, genome function, immunity and physiology. They are therefore ideal animal models for screening and optimizing gene therapy vectors,” said VectorBuilder’s Chief Scientist, Dr. Bruce Lahn. “We believe that by working closely with Landau, we will be able to build a leading CRO capable of providing these much-needed services to the gene and cell therapy community.”

Landau’s President Mr. Lei Fan added: “VectorBuilder is a global pioneer in gene delivery, and we are very pleased to be partnering with the company. The launch of this center marks a major milestone in genetic medicine, and we hope that this will enable us to join hands with other leading biopharmaceutical companies around the world to develop the next generation of gene therapy drugs.”

About VectorBuilder Inc.

VectorBuilder is a rapidly growing biotechnology company specializing in advanced genetic engineering solutions for research and medicine. In particular, VectorBuilder has established itself as the global leader in a range of products and services related to gene delivery, including vector design and optimization, vector cloning, virus packaging, library construction and screening, stable cell line generation, and GMP manufacturing of clinical-grade plasmids, mRNAs, proteins and viruses. One highlight of VectorBuilder's innovative solutions is its revolutionary online platform for designing and ordering custom vectors, available online. This award-winning platform has become highly popular with researchers around the world and has grown into an industry standard for its rich functionalities, extensive experimental validations, and easy-to-use graphical interface. By leveraging the popularity of this platform, VectorBuilder has built a comprehensive portfolio of offerings covering virtually all gene delivery needs from bench to bedside.

About Landau Biotechnology Co.

Landau is one of the earliest organizations in China to breed NHPs on a large scale for biomedical research. It is also a world leader in developing NHP models for various human diseases and clinical applications. In the past 40 years, Landau has provided a wide range of services based on NHP models, including pharmacodynamic research, drug metabolism research, early drug screening, surgical operations, and ethology, radiology and ophthalmology experiments for a large number of research institutions and biopharmaceutical companies around the world.