Donaldson Company, Inc., Through Its Univercells Technologies Business, Expands Their Relationship With the Gene Therapy Program at the University of Pennsylvania to Evaluate Certain Bioreactors for Scalable Gene Therapy Production

Rhea-AI Summary

Donaldson's Univercells Technologies business has expanded its evaluation agreement with the Gene Therapy Program (GTP) at the University of Pennsylvania. The collaboration aims to assess the scalability of gene therapy production using Univercells Technologies' bioreactors, specifically the scale-X™ nitro 600 m2 bioreactor. This partnership seeks to increase production per batch and potentially reduce cost of goods sold (COGS) for gene therapies.

The agreement highlights the importance of industry-academic partnerships in advancing gene therapy development and commercialization. Univercells Technologies' bioreactor, initially developed with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is now being applied to enhance viral vector accessibility for gene therapies. This collaboration aligns with GTP's vision of making gene therapies for rare diseases more accessible worldwide.

Positive

• Expanded evaluation agreement with the Gene Therapy Program at the University of Pennsylvania
• Potential to increase production per batch and reduce cost of goods sold (COGS) for gene therapies
• Application of scale-X bioreactor technology to enhance viral vector accessibility for gene therapies

Negative

• None.

Insights

Market Research Analyst

The expansion of the relationship between Donaldson Company’s Univercells Technologies and the University of Pennsylvania’s Gene Therapy Program (GTP) is notable for its potential impact on the scalability and cost-effectiveness of gene therapy production. This collaboration focuses on the evaluation of the scale-X bioreactor, which is specifically designed to increase production per batch and potentially lower the cost of goods sold (COGS). For investors, this news is significant because it indicates a strategic move towards more efficient and economically viable gene therapy manufacturing.

From a market perspective, if the scale-X bioreactor proves to be effective, it could boost Donaldson’s market position in the biomanufacturing sector and open up new revenue streams. Moreover, the collaboration with a renowned institution such as the University of Pennsylvania enhances the company’s credibility and innovation capacity. Investors should watch for forthcoming data on the effectiveness of these bioreactors, as positive results could lead to increased demand for Univercells Technologies’ solutions, potentially driving share price appreciation in the long term.

This development also underscores the importance of industry-academic partnerships in accelerating technological advancements and commercializing cutting-edge treatments. If successful, it could set a precedent for similar collaborations in the biotech industry, further emphasizing the role of advanced technology in making expensive treatments more accessible.

Biotechnologist

The core of this news revolves around the evaluation and potential scalability of Univercells Technologies’ scale-X bioreactor for gene therapy production. This bioreactor was initially designed to reduce the cost of viral vaccine production, but its application is expanding to gene therapies. The emphasis on the scale-X bioreactor's capacity to increase production efficiency and lower costs is crucial. If successful, the bioreactor could address one of the major challenges in the gene therapy field: the high cost of manufacturing viral vectors.

For gene therapy programs, the ability to produce larger batches at a reduced cost could significantly impact the commercial viability of these therapies. It is essential to note that viral vectors are a critical component in gene therapies, often being the vector for delivering the genetic material into patients' cells. Thus, improving production efficiency directly translates to potentially more affordable therapies, increasing accessibility for patients with rare diseases.

The expert leadership of Dr. James Wilson and the backing from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation further bolster the credibility and potential impact of this initiative. Investors should monitor the outcomes of this collaboration closely, as advancements here could represent a major leap forward in the gene therapy sector.

NIVELLES, Belgium--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Donaldson (NYSE: DCI), a global provider of innovative biomanufacturing technologies, with its Univercells Technologies business, announces that the Gene Therapy Program at the University of Pennsylvania (GTP) is expanding its evaluation agreement aimed at determining the scalability of GTP’s gene therapy product manufacturing using Univercells Technologies’ bioreactors. GTP is an academic program focused on genetic medicines led by James M. Wilson, MD, PhD, the Rose H. Weiss Professor and Director of the Orphan Disease Center and a professor of Medicine and Pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine.

GTP, renowned for its pioneering work in gene therapy, seeks to make gene therapies for rare diseases accessible worldwide. This agreement covers GTP’s evaluation of the commercial- series scale-X™ nitro 600 m2 bioreactor, with the goal of substantially increasing production per batch and potentially reducing cost of goods sold (COGS). This important work between GTP and Univercells Technologies underscores the importance of industry-academic partnerships in advancing the field of gene therapy and accelerating the development and commercialization of life-changing treatments for patients worldwide.

“We are honored to extend our collaborative work with GTP in evaluating the scalability of gene therapy production,” said Mathias Garny, General Manager at Univercells Technologies. “Our mission aligns closely with GTP’s vision of making gene therapies more accessible globally, and we are committed to supporting their efforts with our innovative bioprocessing technologies.”

Univercells Technologies developed the scale-X bioreactor with the support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Global Grand Challenge initiative. Originally designed to lower the cost of viral vaccine production for critical public health vaccines, the scale-X bioreactor is now being applied to enable viral vector accessibility for gene therapies.

According to Dr. Wilson, “Our hope is that Univercells Technologies will improve the efficiency of AAV vector manufacturing and help play a role in decreasing costs and enabling access through more affordable prices in the future.”

About Donaldson Company, Inc.

Founded in 1915, Donaldson (NYSE: DCI) is a global leader in technology-led filtration products and solutions, serving a broad range of industries and advanced markets. Diverse, skilled employees at over 140 locations on six continents partner with customers ─ from small business owners to R&D organizations and the world’s biggest OEM brands. Donaldson solves complex filtration challenges through three primary segments: Mobile Solutions, Industrial Solutions and Life Sciences. Additional information is available at www.Donaldson.com.

About Univercells Technologies

Univercells Technologies by Donaldson is a global provider of innovative biomanufacturing technologies, specializing in the development and production of advanced bioreactors. These cutting-edge bioreactors are designed to achieve cost- effective viral production from R&D to commercial scales. By leveraging the strengths of process intensification and chaining, the company addresses the growing demand for viral vectors and viral vaccines. Univercells Technologies by Donaldson is committed to helping customers increase performance with minimized footprint and costs, while anticipating future needs.

Incorporated in Belgium in 2020, Univercells Technologies is now a part of Donaldson Company.

LinkedIn: Univercells Technologies http://www.univercellstech.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240716097791/en/

WMC ─ Beth Willers

bethw@whitemattercomm.com

Source: Donaldson Company, Inc.

FAQ

What is the purpose of Donaldson's expanded agreement with the University of Pennsylvania's Gene Therapy Program?

The expanded agreement aims to evaluate the scalability of gene therapy production using Univercells Technologies' bioreactors, specifically the scale-X™ nitro 600 m2 bioreactor, with the goal of increasing production per batch and potentially reducing cost of goods sold (COGS) for gene therapies.

How might Donaldson's collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania impact gene therapy accessibility?

The collaboration seeks to improve the efficiency of AAV vector manufacturing, which could lead to decreased costs and more affordable prices for gene therapies, ultimately making them more accessible worldwide.

What is the significance of the scale-X bioreactor in Donaldson's (DCI) gene therapy production efforts?

The scale-X bioreactor, originally designed to lower the cost of viral vaccine production, is now being applied to enhance viral vector accessibility for gene therapies. It has the potential to substantially increase production per batch and reduce costs in gene therapy manufacturing.