Vertex Pharmaceutical Corporation and Lonza announced a strategic partnership to support the production of Vertex’s portfolio of radically different insulin-producing stem cell therapies for people with T1D, currently focusing on into the VX-880 and VX-264 programs currently in clinical trials.Vertex’s first clinical program, VX-880, demonstrated the clinical proof of concept. In new data published last week, all six patients treated with VX-880 islet cell transplantation experienced endogenous insulin (C-peptide) production and improved glycemic control, while reducing or eliminate the use of insulin. Patients followed for more than 90 days eliminated serious hypoglycaemic events during the evaluation period.Vertex’s second approach, VX-264, uses the same type of fully differentiated insulin-producing islet cells found in VX-880 and is being studied in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial. In VX-264, cells are encapsulated in a proprietary device designed to protect cells of the body’s immune system, eliminating the need for immunosuppression. In the third approach, Vertex’s immunosuppression program, the same cells are modified to mask them from the immune system; This program continues to progress during preclinical development.Under the terms of the partnership, Vertex and Lonza will collaborate on the development and expansion of the portfolio manufacturing process and co-invest to build a new dedicated facility in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Operated by Lonza, the facility will span over 130,000 square feet and is expected to create up to 300 new jobs at full capacity. Construction is expected to begin later this year. The dedicated facility will complement Lonza’s global cellular and genetic technology manufacturing network, helping customers develop, reduce risk, commercialize and scale their emerging therapies. . Lonza’s scientific, regulatory and manufacturing expertise, focus on operational excellence and direct experience in supporting the commercialization of commercialized cell therapy products is expected to accelerate the process. develops and commercializes Vertex’s transformative therapies.
“Vertex’s allogeneic, fully differentiated, insulin-producing islet cells and the results from the Phase 1/2 VX-880 program represent a scientific breakthrough that offers the potential to transform the treatment of T1D,”
“Establishing this strategic partnership with Lonza, a world-class manufacturing organization, is a critical milestone in this journey and underscores our long-term commitment to patients with T1D.”
Reshma Kewalramani, M.D., Chief Executive Officer and President of Vertex.
“Lonza has a strong history and established reputation for applying cutting-edge development and manufacturing expertise to enable the progression of exceptional scientific innovations like those developed by Vertex,”
“Vertex has made impressive progress with its T1D cell therapy program, and we are proud to be the company’s partner of choice in supporting its ambition to transform the treatment landscape for this disease.”
Pierre-Alain Ruffieux, Chief Executive Officer of Lonza.
