ScaleReady announces a G-Rex® Grant has been awarded to Verismo Therapeutics
Rhea-AI Summary
ScaleReady, in collaboration with Wilson Wolf Manufacturing, Bio-Techne (NASDAQ: TECH), and CellReady, has awarded a $150,000 G-Rex Grant to Verismo Therapeutics, a clinical-stage CAR T company. This grant, part of ScaleReady's $20 million program, aims to optimize the development and manufacturing of Verismo's KIR-CAR platform using G-Rex technology.
The grant will support Verismo in transitioning their active and future pipeline to G-Rex, enhancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness in cell therapy production. As part of the grant, Verismo will evaluate critical reagents from Bio-Techne, including GMP cytokines and the new ProPak GMP Cytokines line, estimated to be commercially available by the end of 2024.
Positive
- ScaleReady awarded a $150,000 grant to Verismo Therapeutics for cell therapy optimization
- The grant is part of a larger $20 million program to advance Cell and Gene Therapy development
- Potential for improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness in cell therapy production
- Early access to new closed system reagents (ProPak GMP Cytokines) from Bio-Techne
Negative
- None.
Insights
This grant marks a significant step for Verismo Therapeutics in optimizing their KIR-CAR platform using G-Rex technology. The
However, investors should note that Verismo is still in the clinical stage and the impact on their bottom line may not be immediate. The real value lies in the potential for scalable, cost-effective manufacturing of their novel CAR-T therapies, which could provide a competitive edge in the crowded cell therapy market. This grant might be a precursor to larger partnerships or investments in the future, signaling industry confidence in Verismo's technology.
The transition to G-Rex technology is a strategic move for Verismo. G-Rex systems are known for their high-density cell culture capabilities, which can significantly boost cell yields and reduce labor and materials costs. This could translate to more efficient production of Verismo's KIR-CAR T cells, potentially lowering the cost of goods (COGs) for their therapies.
The early access to Bio-Techne's ProPakTM GMP Cytokines is particularly intriguing. Closed-system reagents can enhance process consistency and reduce contamination risks, important factors in cell therapy manufacturing. If Verismo can successfully integrate these technologies, they may achieve a more robust and scalable manufacturing platform, positioning them favorably for future clinical trials and commercialization efforts.
The G-Rex Grant is part of ScaleReady's
"We are grateful to have been chosen for the G-Rex Grant at Verismo Therapeutics," stated Raymond Luke, Director of Manufacturing Science and Technology at Verismo Therapeutics. "This funding will help us further optimize our cell therapy manufacturing processes by transitioning our active and future pipeline to G-Rex®, ensuring we can deliver life-saving treatments to patients more efficiently and cost-effectively. We are excited to work with ScaleReady to drive forward innovative solutions in cell therapy production."
"We are excited to support Verismo Therapeutics through the G-Rex Grant program. Their commitment to advancing cell and gene therapy aligns perfectly with our mission to provide hope to cancer patients one G-Rex at a time. We look forward to seeing the impactful advancements Verismo Therapeutics will achieve with this grant." said John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Wolf Manufacturing and co-inventor of G-Rex.
As part of the G-Rex® Grant, Verismo will complete optimization of their G-Rex-based KIR-CAR T process and plans to implement this as a platform manufacturing process. Additionally, Verismo will evaluate a suite of critical reagents from Bio-Techne (R&D Systems) including GMP cytokines. Specifically, Verismo will get early access to a line of new, closed system reagents from Bio-Techne, called ProPakTM GMP Cytokines, that are tailor-made for use with G-Rex. The ProPakTM line of GMP cytokines are estimated to be commercially available by the end of 2024.
Verismo Therapeutics is committed to pioneering new therapies and technologies that improve patient outcomes. The G-Rex Grant will play a pivotal role in advancing the company's research and development efforts, ultimately contributing to the broader goal of making innovative treatments accessible to those in need.
About the KIR-CAR Platform
The KIR-CAR platform is a multi-chain CAR T cell therapy and has been shown in preclinical animal models to be capable of maintaining antitumor T cell activity even in challenging tumor microenvironments. Using NK cell derived KIR and DAP12 split signaling provides a novel combined activation and co-stimulation separate from the usual T cell stimulation pathways. It also enables sustained chimeric receptor expression and improves KIR-CAR T cell long term function. This results in prolonged T cell functional persistence and leads to regression of solid tumors in preclinical models that are resistant to traditional CAR T cell therapies.
About Verismo Therapeutics
Verismo Therapeutics is a pioneer in multi-chain KIR-CAR technology, with its first assets SynKIR™-110 and SynKIR™-310 currently in Phase 1 clinical trials. Verismo is the only company developing the KIR-CAR platform, using a modified NK cell derived receptor and DAP12 pairing, designed to improve persistence and efficacy against aggressive tumors. The KIR-CAR platform technology was developed specifically to address areas of high unmet medical need, including advanced solid tumors and B cell associated disorders and malignancies. For more information, visit: www.verismotherapeutics.com
About ScaleReady™
ScaleReady provides the field of cell and gene-modified cell therapy (CGT) with a G-Rex centric manufacturing platform that enables the world's most practical, flexible, scalable, and affordable CGT drug product development and manufacturing.
The G-Rex manufacturing platform is currently used by a rapidly growing list of over 800 organizations and is producing drug products for approximately
CGT entities relying on the breadth and scope of ScaleReady's expertise can expect to save years of time and millions of dollars on the path to CGT commercialization.
For more information about the ScaleReady G-Rex® Grant Program, please contact info@scaleready.com.
About Wilson Wolf Manufacturing Corporation
Wilson Wolf (www.wilsonwolf.com) is dedicated to simplifying cell and gene-modified cell (CGT) therapy research, process development, and manufacturing. This is being accomplished through its scalable G-Rex® technology, which is used throughout the world in CGT applications ranging from basic research to commercial drug production.
Wilson Wolf's mission is to create hope for cancer patients, one G-Rex® device at a time.
About Bio-Techne Corporation
Bio-Techne Corporation (NASDAQ: TECH) is a global life sciences company providing innovative tools and bioactive reagents for the research and clinical diagnostic communities. Bio-Techne, in partnership with Wilson Wolf, is creating products such as media and cytokines that are specifically tailored to G-Rex® Bioreactors, including right-sized reagent quantities in containers that are tailored to high throughput closed-system manufacturing. For more information on Bio-Techne and its brands, please visit https://www.bio-techne.com or follow the Company on social media at: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or YouTube.
Contact: David Clair, Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Development
david.clair@bio-techne.com
612-656-4416
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SOURCE Bio-Techne Corporation
FAQ
What is the value of the G-Rex Grant awarded to Verismo Therapeutics by ScaleReady?
How does the G-Rex Grant relate to Bio-Techne (NASDAQ: TECH)?
When are Bio-Techne's ProPak GMP Cytokines expected to be commercially available?
What is the total value of ScaleReady's grant program for Cell and Gene Therapy development?
