Bayer AG, in collaboration with Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, has revealed the blueprint for the Berlin Center for Gene and Cell Therapies. This ambitious project is receiving substantial financial backing and support from Germany’s Federal Government and the State of Berlin. The primary objective of this joint initiative is to expedite the delivery of groundbreaking gene and cell therapies to patients while fostering a leading biotech ecosystem for innovative therapies in Berlin.
Cell and gene therapies (CGTs) hold immense promise, offering targeted treatment options for individuals who have not benefited from conventional therapies or lack effective treatment options altogether.
To accelerate the translation of basic research into tangible benefits for patients, Charité and Bayer will establish the Berlin Center for Gene and Cell Therapies on the Bayer campus at Berlin Nordhafen. This center will assist start-ups in advancing their innovative approaches in cell and gene therapies into clinical development. The facility will feature an incubator with fully equipped laboratory space and a production area certified to meet the standards of good manufacturing practice (GMP). Incubators are crucial for nurturing start-ups, aiding them in developing viable business models. These early-stage companies will receive guidance on regulatory requirements, clinical trials, patent rights, and business development. To oversee the incubator’s operations, Bayer and Charité will establish a joint public-private, non-profit company with limited liability. Charité will hold a 67 percent stake in this company, with Bayer holding the remaining 33 percent.
The Berlin Center for Gene and Cell Therapies will serve as a focal point for research, development, and manufacturing of cell and gene therapies in central Berlin. By strategically integrating it into Berlin’s ecosystem, a European capital with a plethora of biomedical and healthcare facilities, the center aims to become a dynamic hub for biotech innovations in CGTs. The project is receiving funding from both the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the State of Berlin, with construction scheduled to commence in 2025.
Key Figures Express Their Support:
- Olaf Scholz, Federal Chancellor of Germany, lauded the collaborative effort, highlighting its role in advancing gene and cell-based therapies.
- Bettina Stark-Watzinger, Federal Minister of Education and Research, emphasized the potential of gene and cell therapies in providing more targeted and effective treatments, highlighting the support from the ministry to establish the Center.
- Prof. Dr. Karl Lauterbach, Federal Minister of Health, highlighted the transformative potential of gene therapies and other innovative treatments, underscoring the need for collaborative efforts.
- Bill Anderson, Chairman of the Board of Management (CEO) of Bayer AG, stressed the importance of partnerships in advancing research and technology to address incurable diseases.
- Stefan Oelrich, Member of the Board of Management, Bayer AG and President of Bayer’s Pharmaceuticals Division, emphasized the unique aspect of the center, which integrates research and production to expedite innovative treatments.
- Prof. Dr. Heyo K. Kroemer, Chief Executive Officer of Charité, highlighted the significance of cell and gene therapies in addressing medical challenges and the aim to position Berlin at the forefront of this technology.
- Astrid Lurati, Chief Financial and Infrastructure Officer of Charité, commended the partnership between Charité and Bayer, noting its potential to advance gene and cell therapy developments.
- Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin, praised Berlin’s standing as a hub for science, research, and medicine, expressing confidence in the city’s potential as a pioneer in gene and cell therapies.
- Franziska Giffey, Mayor and Berlin State Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy, and Public Enterprises, highlighted the economic potential of the center and its contribution to Berlin’s status as an innovation hotspot in Europe.
The Berlin Center for Gene and Cell Therapies, developed by iQ spaces, a specialized project developer in laboratory real estate, will occupy 18,000 sqm on the Bayer campus at Berlin Nordhafen. The ten-story building will house an incubator with fully equipped laboratory and office space for 15 to 20 start-ups, along with a GMP-certified manufacturing facility for cell and gene therapies up to clinical phase II. The architectural design is by HENN.
