Merck signed a non-binding MoU with the Gene Therapy Research Institution. Credit: Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany and/or its affiliates.

German company Merck kGaA has entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Gene Therapy Research Institution (GTRI) for the production of a gene therapy for Parkinson’s disease.

A Japanese clinical-stage biotech start-up, GTRI focuses on creating gene therapies using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors.

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The partnership will leverage Merck’s Sf-RVN insect cell line platform for the good manufacturing practices-compliant manufacture of viral vector-based gene therapies.

The parties will jointly establish an AAV production platform to scale up production.

The agreement also encompasses the usage of Merck’s cell line and platform technologies for the production of viral vector-based gene therapies.

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Merck will offer GTRI technical support, as well as training and process optimisation, at the M Lab Collaboration Center in Tokyo.

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Merck life science business Japan process solutions head Isao Hatano stated: “In Japan, clinical trials of gene therapy medicines are underway in the hope of developing new treatments to fight and cure diseases.

“With our broad portfolio of products and services, we can better equip and support GTRI in accelerating process development and manufacturing of viral vector-based gene therapy. We believe this collaboration will ultimately help save many patients suffering from serious diseases.”

GTRI CEO Katsuhito Asai stated: “Since 2014, we have been working to bring our unique gene therapy techniques to refractory diseases where effective therapies have not been established, primarily focusing on Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

“Our biggest challenge is developing robust and safe manufacturing processes for viral vectors used to introduce DNA into patients, especially on a large scale. Producing viral vectors is much more complex and larger in scale than making typical antibody drugs. Our partnership with Merck will optimise this process and help bring therapies to market faster.” 

Merck recently entered into a collaboration with The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research to further research on slowing the progression of Parkinson’s disease.

In July 2024, Merck KGaA’s Life Science business sector signed a non-binding MoU with Afrigen Biologics to develop an mRNA vaccine technology platform.

Cell & Gene Therapy coverage on Pharmaceutical Technology is supported by Cytiva.

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