‘Research to Reality: Bridging the Clinical Manufacturing Gap’ was the theme that guided the session promoted by the Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares (C2TN) of the Instituto Superior Técnico, in partnership with NorthX Biologics – a Swedish company with vast experience in the development and manufacture of biological products – which took place in the Auditorium of the Technological and Nuclear Campus of Técnico, in Loures, on the 31st of July.
The session was opened by C2TN researcher Sandra Cabo Verde, who welcomed the 30 participants, including researchers and students from different scientific areas, and the guest speaker and Alliance Manager of NorthX Biologics, Luísa Lundin, who led the seminar.
Issues surrounding the scientific, regulatory and logistical challenges involved in the transition from innovative ideas to market-ready therapies were debated, highlighting the importance of bridging the gap, broadening the dialogue and providing a collaborative environment between researchers, industry professionals and regulatory experts in order to promote networking for the development of more efficient and effective therapies.
During the meeting, Luísa Lundin shared her expertise in the transition from research innovations to commercial solutions, addressing the critical steps in process development, quality control and regulatory compliance, emphasizing the need for cooperation from the earliest stages of research.
Luísa Lundin emphasized that ‘the biggest barrier that academic research crosses from the laboratory to the market is often called the “Valley of Death”. In the field of biotechnology, which includes the development of medicines and medical devices, it is estimated that only one in every 5,000 to 10,000 innovations makes it all the way from initial discoveries to product commercialization.’ He also stated that these and other discussions are essential to ’connect pre-clinical research to industrial production, taking into account real needs and applicability from the very beginning of the process.’
The Seminar sought to encourage participation and unity between academia and industry, alert them to the different methodologies adopted in each sector, discuss practical setbacks and encourage strategic planning, which maximizes the chances of success. It also aimed to mobilize participants to overcome regulatory and production challenges without fearing them, empowering them with the knowledge needed to turn innovations into concrete therapeutic solutions.
Find out more about NorthX Biologics’ work and initiatives at: http://www.nxbio.com.