CDMO News

Solvias to Perform Release Testing on World’s First CRISPR-based Gene-Editing Therapy

  • Solvias, a global provider of chemistry, manufacturing, and control (CMC) analytics, will perform analytical release testing services on the world’s first CRISPR/Cas9 genome-edited cell therapy.
  • The company has signed a long-term agreement with Vertex Pharmaceuticals for CASGEVY™ (exagamglogene autotemcel or exa-cel).
  • CASGEVY™ recently received a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA’s) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use for conditional approval of the treatment of severe SCD and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia (TDT).

Solvias, a global provider of chemistry, manufacturing, and control (CMC) analytics, announced on January 23, 2024, that it will perform analytical release testing services on the world’s first CRISPR/Cas9 genome-edited cell therapy. The announcement was made from the company’s headquarters in Kaiseraugst, Switzerland.

The company has signed a long-term agreement with Vertex Pharmaceuticals for CASGEVY™ (exagamglogene autotemcel or exa-cel), which received U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD) in patients 12 years and older with recurrent vaso-occlusive crises.

Solvias and Vertex Pharmaceuticals have worked together for several years to develop and validate test methods that are critical for the final release of patients’ own edited cells, so that they can be delivered back to patients. The companies’ collaboration included establishing the testing methods that will be scaled for commercialising CASGEVY. Solvias also has invested significantly in preparing one of its global facilities to support the commercial release work for this transformative therapy.

Archie Cullen, CEO of Solvias, commented on the collaboration between Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Solvias regarding CASGEVY. He stated: “Solvias is honored to be playing a critical role in delivering this breakthrough therapy to patients. Our decades of experience offering comprehensive GMP analytical services uniquely positions us to partner with companies in bringing their therapies to market. This collaboration highlights our deep scientific knowledge and creative solutions serving to advance even the most cutting-edge therapies.”

In addition to gaining FDA approval, CASGEVY recently received a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA’s) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use for conditional approval of the treatment of severe SCD and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia (TDT).

ELEARNING
Learn the essentials of successful biopharma outsourcing

Experience the future of contract manufacturing

Join us at CDMO Live, 7-8 May 2025 in Rotterdam for an exclusive live event dedicated to contract manufacturing partnerships. Apply for your ticket.

Sign up to our free weekly newsletter for all the latest contract manufacturing news.  Register here

ELEARNING

Learn the essentials of successful biopharma outsourcing

New eLearning course distils 100+ expert interviews into 10 engaging modules.

tick Overview of outsourcing trends 
tick Expert insights and case studies 
tick Helpful resources and quizzes

Who do you rate?
Recommend a Supplier

Help us find the most innovative and trusted suppliers in Pharma and Biotech.