QIMR Berghofer and CTMC , a joint venture between Resilience and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have announced a strategic partnership to strengthen international collaboration in cell and gene therapy research, translation, workforce development, and advanced manufacturing through the CTMC Global Network Alliance.
The partnership supports knowledge exchange, scientific collaboration, and international engagement, bringing together QIMR Berghofer's strengths in translational research and advanced therapeutics manufacturing with CTMC's internationally recognised model for cell therapy development, manufacturing, regulatory strategy, and clinical translation.
Building on QIMR Berghofer's world-class research programs and the established capabilities of Q-Gen, the partnership is helping advance the development, manufacture, and translation of next-generation therapies for patients across Australia and the world.
Through the collaboration, both organisations will explore opportunities to accelerate research translation, foster innovation, strengthen workforce capability, and build connections between Australian, US, and international advanced therapeutics ecosystems.
This partnership will also support the development of NextGen - Australia's Centre for Cell and Gene Therapy Innovation and Manufacturing. A QIMR Berghofer strategic initiative, NextGen aims to bring together advanced manufacturing infrastructure, translational research, clinical collaboration, workforce development, and global partnerships, including the CTMC Global Network Alliance, to strengthen Australia's sovereign capability in advanced therapeutics and create new opportunities for patients, researchers, clinicians, and industry.
QIMR Berghofer Interim Director and CEO Professor Grant A. Ramm said international collaboration was central to strengthening Australia's capability in advanced therapies. "The partnership connects QIMR Berghofer's cell and gene therapy capabilities with one of the world's leading models for integrated cell therapy development, manufacturing and clinical translation," Professor Ramm said.
"CTMC has developed a highly regarded model that brings together translational science, process development, advanced manufacturing, regulatory strategy and clinical implementation. Through this partnership we are creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, workforce development and future collaborative research that will strengthen Australia's position in this rapidly evolving sector."
CTMC Founder and Chief Executive Officer Jason Bock shared that QIMR Berghofer is a natural partner for CTMC as it reflects a shared commitment to advancing innovation and translation in cell and gene therapy. "QIMR Berghofer brings an exceptional combination of translational research excellence, clinical
collaboration, and advanced manufacturing capability through Q-Gen and a clear national vision through NextGen," Bock said.
"The challenges in cell and gene therapy are global, but solutions need to be implemented locally, close to patients and clinical teams. We are excited to work with QIMR Berghofer to help accelerate the exchange of knowledge, talent, and innovation across borders."
The collaboration will contribute towards the future workforce in cell and gene therapy by creating opportunities for researchers, clinicians, and students at all career stages to participate in training, exchanges, and collaborative projects.
In addition, the organisations will explore a reciprocal 'landing pad' model, creating opportunities for researchers, innovators, and emerging companies to connect with international expertise, infrastructure, and collaboration networks across Australia and the United States.
