Üsküdar University Partners with Sartorius to Advance Gene Therapy and Cell-Based Treatment Manufacturing in Turkey
Key Insights
Üsküdar University and Sartorius (search) signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate local production of gene therapies, stem cell therapies, cellular treatments (search), and smart drugs (search) in Turkey.
The collaboration leverages the GMP-certified NPCELLAB ATMP (search) Biotechnology laboratory and TRGENMER (search) R&D facilities to develop personalized therapeutic techniques and innovative biopharmaceuticals.
Dr. Cihan Taştan will lead scientific projects under this partnership, aiming to position Turkey as a biotechnology hub for advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs).
Üsküdar University has entered into a strategic partnership with Sartorius (search), a global leader in bioprocess solutions and life science technologies, to accelerate the development and local production of advanced therapeutic medicinal products (ATMPs) in Turkey. The memorandum of understanding was officially signed at the university's Rector's Office, marking a significant milestone for Turkey's biotechnology sector.
Strategic Focus on Advanced Therapeutics
Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, President of Üsküdar University, emphasized that this university-industry collaboration will significantly facilitate the local production of gene therapies, stem cell therapies, cellular treatments (search), and smart drugs (search). "We aim to develop smart therapeutics," Prof. Tarhan stated, highlighting the partnership's commitment to advancing personalized medicine capabilities.
The collaboration holds particular significance for the development of personalized therapeutic techniques and the domestic production of innovative biopharmaceuticals. Prof. Tarhan noted that the partnership aims to "enable the seamless and effective production of gene therapies, stem cell-based therapies, cellular treatments (search), and smart drugs (search) through university-industry synergy."
Infrastructure and Scientific Leadership
The partnership leverages Üsküdar University's existing biotechnology infrastructure, including the GMP-certified NPCELLAB ATMP (search) Biotechnology laboratory and the TRGENMER (search) R&D and Product Development labs. Dr. Cihan Taştan, who serves as Biotechnology Director at NPCELLAB ATMP and Director of TRGENMER, will provide scientific leadership for projects initiated under this collaboration.
Dr. Taştan expressed his pride in contributing to Turkey's advancement as a biotechnology hub in the ATMP field. "This collaboration presents a holistic and integrated development model encompassing education, production, research, and clinical application," he stated. "Through the GMP-certified NPCELLAB ATMP (search) Biotechnology laboratory and the TRGENMER (search) R&D and Product Development labs established within our university, we are assuming a critical responsibility in the development and production of gene- and cell-based therapies."
Global Expertise Integration
Sartorius (search) brings its global expertise in bioprocess solutions and life science technologies to support research and manufacturing in biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, and cell and gene therapy (search). The partnership combines this international technological capacity with local research capabilities to create value for both the national healthcare system and the international scientific community.
The signing ceremony included key stakeholders from both organizations, including Dr. Érica Schulze (Business Development and Strategic Partnerships Manager at Sartorius (search)), Youssef Gaabouri (Sales Director, Sartorius MEA), and several other senior executives from both institutions.
Impact on Turkey's Biotechnology Ecosystem
The memorandum of understanding represents a crucial step forward for Turkey's national biotechnology ecosystem. Prof. Tarhan emphasized that this agreement with Sartorius (search) marks "a vital step forward" and expressed his wish for it to be "beneficial for our country and the global scientific community."
Through this partnership, Üsküdar University aims to significantly expand research and development opportunities available to early-career scientists and contribute to Turkey's position as a producer of high value-added technologies in health sciences. The collaboration is expected to enhance Turkey's capabilities in developing and manufacturing advanced therapeutic products while fostering innovation in the biotechnology sector.