The aim of the strategic partnership is to promote and simplify cooperation within the field of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) and related technologies. The parties’ intention is that this partnership will be part of a broader focus to link the Swedish and Nordic ATMP ecosystems with research and development within academia, healthcare, and industry.
ATMPs have the potential to revolutionize opportunities for treating serious diseases, as previously demonstrated within areas such as oncology. They can also help to replace longer-term treatments with one-off treatments and can help to cure currently incurable diseases.
With the memorandum of understanding, the parties have agreed to explore opportunities for cooperation within project and business development, process development for the transition from early research to production for research and development purposes, quality-controlled good manufacturing practice production of ATMPs, making clinical trials possible, and transfers of exercises, training, and knowledge. The agreement creates opportunities for using each other’s premises, laboratories and other infrastructure.
CCRM Nordic is a non-profit organization that aims to address bottlenecks in the commercialization of drugs for ATMPs. The company is based in Gothenburg and supports innovators in the Nordic region and Europe.
“By combining our resources and expertise with the resources and expertise at Sahlgrenska University Hospital and Sahlgrenska Academy, we are taking an important step toward faster development of advanced therapies that can change the lives of many patients,” explains Fredrik Wessberg, CEO of CCRM Nordic. “We look forward to working together to build a stronger platform for researching, developing, and producing ATMPs.”
Sahlgrenska Academy is the University of Gothenburg’s medical faculty, and carries out strong research within fields including cancer, metabolism, neuroscience, obstetrics, dentistry and person-centered care.
“With ATMPs, diseases can be treated in completely new ways,” says Jenny Nyström, Dean of Sahlgrenska Academy. “This is extremely exciting. At the same time, we should be aware that this is a complex area in terms of research. We therefore need to create the best conditions for our researchers and clinicians in the ongoing development of advanced therapeutic drugs, including within the field of cancer where we currently carry out successful research. It is extremely positive that this partnership gives us the opportunity to join forces, learn from each other, and make effective use of resources.”
Development and patient benefits
Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg is one of Sweden’s largest hospitals and one of the larger university hospitals in Europe, and focuses on patient care, national highly specialized care, education, research and innovation.
“This partnership presents an opportunity to develop ATMPs and the future of healthcare,” says Boubou Hallberg, Chief Executive Officer of Sahlgrenska University Hospital. “Sahlgrenska’s ATMP Centre plays a central role at the hospital and in the region, and does help to ensure development within the field, not least through its established cooperation with businesses, academia, and agencies. I am delighted that we are using western Sweden’s life science cluster to create something that can benefit patients throughout the country. When we work together, there are no limits to what we can achieve.”
