Partnership builds critical capacity for Australian biotech

The partnership between the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and UK-based biopharmaceutical start-up Biosceptre was acknowledged, at the opening of a new analytical laboratory within the university’s Biomanufacturing Immersion Facility (BIF).

The new laboratory, made possible by a generous donation of equipment from Biosceptre, has enabled BIF to fast-track analytical and process development capabilities and to support the Australian bioprocessing sector at a critical time.

Located on the Sydney Broadway campus BIF is the only facility of its kind in an Australian University and is the NSW node of the National Biologics Facility in the National Collaborative Infrastructure Research Strategy funded Therapeutics Innovation Australia. The Facility also provides the only National Institute of Bioprocessing Research and Training curriculum in the Southern Hemisphere.

In thanking Biosceptre CEO, Mr Gavin Currie, for the company’s contribution to helping build critical capacity in Australia’s fast growing biotech sector, C3 Institute Director and BIF founder Professor Peter Ralph said that the partnership has “created a win-win not only for UTS and Biosceptre but for Australia’s research communities”.

“Biosceptre has shown great support and confidence in UTS and BIF and we have already been able to utilise these new capabilities to support ongoing research, including COVID-19 related projects,” he said.

Professor Ralph said that the gift and loan of a range of analytical and small-scale processing equipment, valued at more than $1million, broadens the horizon for the facility that can now support the sector “from data analysis to pilot scale process development”.

Biosceptre focuses on targeted therapeutics and immune-oncology products. The company’s operations in Australia include R&D investments and collaborations with the Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) at Westmead, as well as next generation therapeutic monoclonal antibody research with the Garvan Institute of Medical Research.

“UTS stands as one of Australia’s most progressive universities and we are delighted to be partnering with them in the establishment of this new laboratory,” said Mr Gavin Currie, CEO of Biosceptre.

“Australia and the South East Asian region provides a good opportunity to invest in biopharmaceutical R&D, as there is exceptional research being undertaken by talented scientists in a strategic location,” he explained.

“We are very impressed by the design and setup in BIF with GMP-ready cleanrooms and single-use manufacturing technology. UTS has shown significant foresight in establishing this progressive facility which really fills a gap in the sector, that’s looking to up-scale and drive innovation.”

This strategic partnership with BIF provides translational support in antibody characterisation and development for Biosceptre’s collaborations with The Garvan and CMRI immunotherapy programs.

“At UTS, we’re focused on working closely with our industry partners to deliver research that positively impacts Australian society,” said Kate McGrath, UTS Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research).

“This strategic partnership will boost Australia’s critical capacity in the bioprocessing and biopharmaceutical sectors and enable local investment in, and manufacturing of, oncology therapeutics and vaccines.”

“I’d like to acknowledge Biosceptre Chairperson, Mr Andrew Walton-Green, and CEO Gavin Currie for their support in bringing this partnership to life.”

About Biosceptre

Biosceptre is a biopharmaceutical company focused on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy and immune-oncology treatment, that’s committed to bringing a new range of targeted therapies to a wide range of cancer patients. With Nobel prize-winning science leadership and renowned researchers, our work is founded on science from the University of Sydney, Australia. Biosceptre is headquartered in the UK and has operations in both Sydney and Cambridge, UK.

Links

• Biosceptre