SCG Cell Therapy and A*STAR Collaborate to Advance RNA Therapeutics
Monday, December 23, 2024
SCG Cell Therapy has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with A*STAR’s Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI) and the Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Initiative (NATi).
This partnership aims to accelerate the development and commercialisation of RNA-based therapeutics, including cell and gene therapies and mRNA vaccines, by enhancing manufacturing processes and clinical translation.
The collaboration combines A*STAR BTI and NATi’s expertise in bioprocessing, biomarker discovery, and target validation with SCG’s local Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) manufacturing capabilities and global clinical development experience.
Key areas of focus include RNA manufacturing processes, analytics, automation, and digitalisation. The agreement also includes plans for a joint laboratory and a talent development programme to train scientists and engineers in GMP standards.
SCG and ASTAR previously launched joint laboratories in April 2024, with combined funding of nearly S$30 million under Singapore's Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 Plan (RIE2025).
These laboratories are based at SCG’s GMP facility and ASTAR BTI’s research centre, focusing on scalable GMP-grade induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and therapeutic products.
The collaboration bridges public and private expertise to advance innovative R&D and strengthen manufacturing capabilities.
RNA-based therapeutics represent a rapidly evolving class of treatments that use nucleic acids to modify genetic material within cells.
These therapies show significant potential for addressing diseases, including cancers and viral infections, by harnessing natural cellular mechanisms to produce therapeutic proteins or regulate gene expression.
The partnership reinforces Singapore's position as a hub for biomedical innovation, enhancing its RNA biomanufacturing capabilities and supporting the growth of the local pharmaceutical industry.
Source: prnewswire.com
