Catapult opens Lab and Office Space in Scotland

Independent organisation the Cell and Gene Technology Catapult officially launched new laboratories and office space in the Edinburgh BioQuarter, with aims to help cell therapy developers improve their manufacturing processes and navigate the complex regulatory requirements involved in bringing therapies to market. Opened on June 7, by Michael Matheson, Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care, it is the first site in Scotland for the CGT Catapult, which has aims to attract further international companies to the area.

Edinburgh has become a world-leading hub for stem cell research and the new space, located in the University of Edinburgh’s Institute of Regeneration and Repair, will build on and support the region’s academic strength, while providing technologies to help cell therapy developers establish robust manufacturing processes for their therapies. The offices also house a team of technical and clinical adoption experts who will work closely with collaborators planning to bring cell therapies to clinical trials.

The space also includes a Universal Design Lab for scientists with and without disabilities to work side by side. As the UK’s first specifically designed accessible laboratory for the cell and gene therapy industry, its hopes are to help widen participation in the industry and increase opportunities for more scientists living with disabilities. The investment in Scotland builds upon CGT Catapult’s existing work supporting emerging advanced therapy clusters in the UK, with its Manufacturing Innovation Centres in Stevenage, Hertfordshire and Braintree, Essex.

Secretary of State, Michael Matheson said: “I am thrilled to be opening the new Edinburgh Laboratories for the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult. Their innovative work is not solely focused on industry and research, but with working closely with the NHS and academic partners, to ensure our health care systems are prepared for the future.”

Professor David Argyle, Vice-Principal and Head of College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, said: “Collaboration is at the core of successful research and innovation. This new facility will support Edinburgh’s thriving cell and gene therapy sector, working in partnership with the University’s clinicians and scientists to translate world-class stem cell research into the clinic and bring new therapies to patients.”

Matthew Durdy, Chief Executive of the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult said: “Edinburgh is home to a thriving life sciences cluster, with leading academics, clinicians and therapy developers all working in close proximity. By joining the Edinburgh BioQuarter, we hope to accelerate the continued growth and success of this cluster by providing access to the resources and knowledge needed to bring new cell therapies to the market.”

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