CBET Becomes First US-based Training Partner for Univercells Technologies

Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) announced that its Stack Family Center for Biopharmaceutical Education and Training (CBET) is partnering with Univercells Technologies, a Belgian-based company, to provide on-site access and training on cutting bioreactor technologies, the scale-X hydro and scale-X carbo fixed-bed bioreactors. This partnership will provide process development and commercialization opportunities. 

Univercells Technologies designs and develops novel biomanufacturing technologies that overcome existing manufacturing bottlenecks by enabling flexible and scalable viral production. The scale-X fixed-bed bioreactor portfolio includes R&D to commercial scale footprints. The NevoLine upstream platform technologies allows customers to achieve cost-effective vaccine and gene therapy production in a closed, flexible unit.

CBET is a center of excellence for training and research solutions for the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry. This partnership with Univercells Technologies will extend its capabilities in the production of cell lines used in vaccine development and gene therapies. The unique technology of the systems allows for continuous, closed production, thereby reducing the costs, complexity and risks associated with manufacturing.

Univercells Technologies will provide the scale-X hydro and scale-X carbo fixed-bed bioreactor systems and lend its expertise to the team at CBET, as well as partner in the development of the related training material and course design. In turn, CBET will “train the trainer” on Univercells Technologies equipment in the U.S. and provide a beta site for clients wishing to pilot the technology.

“I’m excited that CBET can join Univercells Technologies to increase access to enabling equipment that helps to remove production barriers,” said Dr. Michelle Lewis, executive director of CBET. “This partnership leverages the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences’ deep knowledge of therapeutic action and pairs it with technology-driven development. The partnership further positions CBET to be at the leading edge of training the workforce needs to make and dispense these medicines.”

Mathias Garny, CEO of Univercells Technologies, said, “Univercells Technologies chose CBET as our first U.S.-based training partner location because our missions are so well aligned. CBET is a purpose-built facility that will remain dedicated to expanding its footprint and range of training to help advance and standardize the approach to cell and gene therapy production. Together, we will provide both a training ground to students to prepare them for a successful career in industry, as well as make new technology platforms more available to current developers within gene therapy.”

ACPHS will invest nearly $9 million to renovate laboratory space for new quality assurance/quality control and cell and gene therapy labs. The project will also install and support the operation of the highly specialized biopharmaceutical laboratory equipment for contract research and workforce training.

The partnership is the first U.S.-based of its kind for Univercells Technologies. There is a similar partnership with NIBRT in Ireland.