Advancing regenerative medicine therapies

University and community guests recently gathered to celebrate the 7,700 square-foot Good Manufacturing Practice facility’s grand opening in Hewitt Hall’s basement on the UC Irvine campus. Although the highly sterile environment remains off-limits for tours, the gala highlighted its importance to the campus, the UC system and the local community.

“This facility is not just a building; it is a powerhouse of innovation and hope, meticulously designed and equipped to produce FDA-compliant cell and gene therapies, which are at the forefront of medical science’s promise for the future,” says Dr. Michael J. Stamos, dean of the UC Irvine School of Medicine. “It symbolizes our commitment to developing advanced treatments for neurological diseases and cancers that position us at the forefront of translational research, clinical trials and patient services, that were once deemed unattainable.”

The facility is primarily dedicated to producing cell and gene products that meet stringent GMP regulations enforced by the FDA. In addition, researchers and scientists will use next-generation automated processing and manufacturing technologies, supplemented by leading-edge analytical tools, to produce the transformative therapies essential for clinical trials.

A collaborative effort

The School of Medicine, the Susan & Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, the Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center and the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and other campus partners have dedicated more than $12 million to the facility.

“Our commitment to taking a multidisciplinary approach to integrating groundbreaking research with clinical applications was also recognized and supported by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine,” says Aileen Anderson, Ph.D., director of the UC Irvine Stem Cell Research Center and professor of physical medicine & rehabilitation. “We were awarded an initial two-year, $2 million grant to help launch this project, along with membership in the prestigious CIRM Cell and Gene Therapy Manufacturing Network.”

Next-generation treatments

The GMP facility has a seven-room cellular therapy and viral vector production area, an adjacent quality control laboratory, and a storage warehouse for raw and finished products. It is designed to create FDA-approved stem cell, engineered chimeric antigen receptor T-cell and gene products for clinical research and treatment across multiple medical disciplines.

These potentially pioneering therapies require meticulous production and processing to meet the complex needs of current clinical trials, enhance delivery and improve patient outcomes. They target a range of conditions, including neurological diseases, spinal cord injuries, autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and lupus, and cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma.

Workforce development

In addition to advancing treatment options, the facility will provide educational opportunities and hands-on experience in GMP processes to prepare the next generation of scientists and clinicians who will lead the development of innovations in regenerative medicine.

“By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, investing in state-of-the-art technology and focusing on comprehensive training, our new facility demonstrates the university’s commitment to translational research and clinical excellence that will offer new treatment options for patients worldwide who will benefit from these groundbreaking discoveries,” Stamos says.

If you want to learn more about supporting this or other activities at UC Irvine, please visit the Brilliant Future website. By engaging 75,000 alumni and garnering $2 billion in philanthropic investment, UC Irvine seeks to reach new heights of excellence in student success, health and wellness, research and more. The School of Medicine plays a vital role in the success of the campaign. Learn more by visiting https://brilliantfuture.uci.edu/uci-school-of-medicine/.