- SK pharmteco has entered a strategic partnership with Axle Informatics and the National Institutes of Health to support viral vector gene therapy programs for rare diseases.
- The collaboration focuses on lentiviral vector manufacturing and analytical support for inherited blood and metabolic disorder programs.
SK pharmteco has announced a strategic partnership with Axle Informatics and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support the development of gene therapies for rare diseases through viral vector manufacturing programs.
Under the collaboration, SK pharmteco is serving as a subcontractor to the NIH while working alongside Axle Informatics, the NIH’s primary contractor. The companies stated that the partnership combines SK pharmteco’s viral vector manufacturing and analytical capabilities with NIH-led translational research programs aimed at advancing therapies toward clinical development.
The first program under the agreement focuses on lentiviral vectors intended to treat rare inherited blood and metabolic disorders. According to the companies, SK pharmteco manufactured drug substance for the future ex vivo transduction of CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells and conducted batch-release testing, with most analytical assays completed at the company’s internal laboratories.
“By working closely with Axle Informatics and NIH investigators, we are applying our lentiviral manufacturing and analytical expertise to help advance these programs toward the clinic for patients with serious unmet needs.”
John Lee, Global Head of Viral Vector at SK pharmteco
The partnership further expands SK pharmteco’s role in supporting rare disease innovators through viral vector development, analytical services, and contract manufacturing activities. The company stated that the collaboration is designed to help academic institutions, public organizations, and biotechnology companies advance complex gene therapy programs into clinical development.
