Cell Therapy Catapult and TrakCel Research Project Collaboration

Cell Therapy Catapult and TrakCel to Collaborate on Research Project Cell Therapy Process Management solution to be analysed in a GMP-compliant environment January 19, 2015

CARDIFF, WALES, UK January 19 2015 – The Cell Therapy Catapult, which is focused on the development of the UK cell therapy industry to increase the nation’s health and wealth, and TrakCel, a provider of supply chain integration management technology for cell therapies, today announced a research collaboration agreement to explore the utility of TrakCel’s technology in mission-critical situations.

To test TrakCel’s solution in a GMP-compliant environment, over the next three years each company will provide resources, facilities and personnel to form a project team. Beginning in early 2015, the Cell Therapy Catapult will provide advisory feedback and product enhancement input throughout the duration of the project for the benefit of TrakCel’s solution development in cell therapy planning, manufacturing, regulatory and clinical affairs. TrakCel technology improves cell therapy process success by proactively instructing professionals within the supply chain whilst providing real-time visibility to stakeholders. As well as reducing the implementation risks associated with disparate, paper-based systems, the information collected by TrakCel technology enables greater insight into clinical trial data and provides a foundation for regulatory audits. Keith Thompson, CEO of the Cell Therapy Catapult said: “TrakCel is striving to improve the success of cell therapy processes by introducing an innovative approach to cell tracking and control technology that overcomes limitations of the existing industry methodology. Through providing access to our experts and facilities, we’re looking forward to jointly exploring its potential.” TrakCel will install a system at the Cell Therapy Catapult for the purpose of stress testing and analysis in a series of mission-critical situations including inbound/outbound logistics. The project will command a full cell process mapping exercise as well as training for Catapult analysts and experts.

“The Cell Therapy Catapult is committed to fostering innovation and growth in the cell therapy industry.” said Kevin Smith, Director, TrakCel.

“We’re excited to undertake this collaborative research project that will provide vital input to our development team and ultimately accelerate the advancement of our technology.”

The Cell Therapy Catapult will publish its initial findings as to the applicability of the TrakCel solution in the autumn of 2015.

TrakCel is exhibiting its cell therapy supply chain management technology at the Phacilitate Cell & Gene Therapy Forum, January 26-28, Washington, D.C.

About TrakCel

TrakCel’s patented technology is a single solution for controlling cell therapy processes from start to finish, to help assure patient safety, enable efficient clinical study and supply chain scale-up, provide multi-site standardisation and help drive clinical adoption. The technology provides instructions to professionals in the cell therapy process, and gives stakeholders visibility of all activities in the advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMP) supply chain from patient registration and collection of cells, through logistics, storage, processing of the cells in manufacturing and return delivery to the patient. Founded in 2012, TrakCel technology has been adopted by GlaxoSmithKline. TrakCel is based in Cardiff, Wales, UK.

About the Cell Therapy Catapult

The Cell Therapy Catapult is a centre of translational excellence for cell therapy and regenerative medicine. Its vision is for the UK to be a global leader in the development, delivery and commercialisation of cell therapy, making it a location for business start-up and growth.

Based in London at Guy’s Hospital, the centre takes products into early clinical trials, providing clinical, technical, manufacturing, regulatory, health economics and market access expertise. There is a focus on collaboration and lowering barriers to investment and funding, and operations have grown rapidly since inception. UK Trade & Investment has valued the global regenerative medicine industry at just over £500 million, and estimates that it will be generating revenues of over £5 billion by 2021. For more information go to ct.catapult.org.uk About Catapults Catapult centres are being established and overseen by Innovate UK as a new addition to its range of programmes to stimulate innovation. They are places where the best of the UK’s innovative businesses and researchers work together to bring new products and services more quickly to commercialisation. Focusing on areas with great market potential, Catapults will open up global opportunities for the UK and generate economic growth for the future.

About Innovate UK

Innovate UK is the new name for the Technology Strategy Board – the UK’s innovation agency. Taking a new idea to market is a challenge. Innovate UK funds, supports and connects innovative businesses through a unique mix of people and programmes to accelerate sustainable economic growth.