Gracell Biotechnologies, a China-based cell therapy specialist owned by AstraZeneca (AZ; NASDAQ: AZN), is reportedly planning to expand its manufacturing capacity at its Suzhou BioBay life science cluster base, according to a report from Yicai Global. The construction of a 9,000 sq. m. expansion at the site is set to commence this year, with completion anticipated by the end of 2025.
AstraZeneca finalized its merger of Gracell for USD 1.2 billion in February of this year. Gracell’s core technology revolves around its FasTCAR platform, which enables the rapid “next-day manufacture” of autologous CAR-T cell therapies, a significant advancement over the standard 1-2 week development process for traditional CAR-T therapies. This manufacturing capability was a key factor in AstraZeneca’s acquisition decision. Gracell’s lead candidate, AZD0120/GC012F, is a BCMA/CD19-targeted autologous CAR-T therapy under development for both oncological and autoimmune diseases. Phase Ib/II clinical studies for AZD0120 in recurrent/refractory multiple myeloma (MM) are currently underway in both the United States and China, while early-stage studies are also being conducted for the CAR-T therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus (rSLE) and myasthenia gravis.- Flcube.com
