The Karolinska ATMP Center and St. Erik Eye Hospital have announced a significant expansion of their collaboration aimed at advancing the development of cell- and gene-based therapies. This partnership, formalized through a newly signed letter of intent, focuses specifically on the research and clinical trials of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs), particularly for retinal diseases lacking effective treatments.
The Karolinska ATMP Center, a joint initiative between Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, is recognized as one of Europe’s leading facilities in this field. By uniting research, manufacturing, and treatment capabilities, the center aims to accelerate the transition from innovative research to practical clinical applications. This collaboration with St. Erik Eye Hospital, which specializes in emergency and advanced eye care, is expected to enhance their shared efforts in producing effective therapies.
Goals of the Collaboration
The primary objective of this expanded partnership is to expedite the clinical application of new therapies for retinal diseases, which currently pose significant challenges to patient care. “I am very positive about this collaboration and hope it will enable new treatments to reach the patients who need them most, more quickly,” stated Anders Kvanta, a senior consultant at St. Erik Eye Hospital and professor at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience at Karolinska Institutet.
This collaboration encompasses several critical areas, including the production of cell and gene therapies, clinical trials, and the development of new treatment protocols. The integration of St. Erik Eye Hospital’s specialized experience with the advanced research capabilities of the Karolinska ATMP Center positions both institutions to make significant strides in the treatment of ocular diseases.
Future of Advanced Therapies
ATMPs represent a groundbreaking approach to medicine, utilizing cells, tissues, and genes to offer new treatment possibilities. They hold the potential to cure conditions that were once deemed difficult or impossible to treat. “With close collaboration with St. Erik Eye Hospital, we ensure that groundbreaking ATMP research quickly enters clinical trials and hopefully leads to promising new treatments,” remarked Knut Steffensen, associate professor at the Department of Laboratory Medicine at Karolinska Institutet and director of the Karolinska ATMP Center.
As the partnership progresses, both institutions are committed to driving innovation in the field of advanced therapies. By focusing on the immediate needs of patients suffering from retinal conditions, their collaboration aims to bridge the gap between laboratory research and effective clinical solutions, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
The joint efforts of the Karolinska ATMP Center and St. Erik Eye Hospital exemplify a concerted approach to addressing unmet medical needs through cutting-edge research and collaboration in the realm of advanced therapies.
