NecstGen is a spin-off of the LUMC and knowledge center for cell and gene therapy. During the opening, which was conducted by the mayor of Leiden, Henri Lenferink, visitors were given information about the strictly controlled cleanrooms, laboratories and equipment. The new GMP production and development facility will be fully operational shortly.
The new NecstGen facility measures no less than 4,000m2 and has 13 cleanrooms and 3 development labs. These are also supported by quality control laboratories and office spaces.
Cell and gene therapy
Researchers at the LUMC focus on the development and production of stem cells. This is the basis of the so-called regenerative medicine. Examples of this are the developments that LUMC researchers and scientists are making in the field of organ-on-a-chip models of the heart and kidneys. In addition, the LUMC is also an internationally recognized center for transplantation of insulin-producing cells from donor organs in patients with type 1 diabetes.
NecstGen’s knowledge and infrastructure are also desperately needed for the development of, and research into, new treatment options. After all, applying a new cell product to patients is a very complex process that must be done safely. That’s where NecstGen’s new facility plays an important role as well. they deliver
“We are excited to contribute to a new era in medicine. With the opening of our facility, we hope to take an important step in establishing a future-proof healthcare infrastructure that can take advantage of advances in cell and gene therapy. Ultimately, this will help us get a new generation of therapies to patients faster,” said Paul Bilars, CEO of NecstGen.
NecstGen and LUMC
NecstGen provides development, manufacturing and rental services to academic and industrial therapy developers to deliver next-generation therapies to patients. NecstGen is wholly owned by the LUMC and has also received support from the National Growth Fund, the Province of South Holland and Leiden University.
In addition to the mayor and Paul Bilars, the opening was attended by Focco Vijselaar (Director-General Business and Innovation of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate) and Pancras Hogendoorn (Dean of the LUMC), as well as representatives of the Province of South Holland, RegMed. XB, Leiden Bio Science Park and Leiden University.