LONDON & NEW YORK — ViroCell Biologics and AvenCell Therapeutics have announced a strategic manufacturing collaboration aimed at accelerating the development of novel allogeneic CAR-T cell therapies for blood cancers and autoimmune diseases. The agreement includes the successful delivery of a custom retroviral vector that will support the production of AvenCell’s investigational therapy AVC-203.
ViroCell, a specialist viral vector contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) focused on clinical-stage cell and gene therapies, was selected by AvenCell for its proven expertise and rapid turnaround capabilities. The partnership has already yielded a high-yield retroviral vector for AVC-203, a dual-targeted CD19/CD20 CAR-T cell therapy designed for “off-the-shelf” use.
AVC-203 is AvenCell’s second investigational therapy based on its proprietary allogeneic platform, which is engineered to prevent both graft-versus-host disease and immune rejection by host T and natural killer (NK) cells. The therapy is further enhanced by the inclusion of AvenCell’s RevCAR™ receptor technology, which allows for additional antigen targeting with in vivo “on/off” switching functionality.
The retroviral vector delivered by ViroCell incorporates a cell line acquired by AvenCell and was produced under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) conditions on an accelerated timeline. This successful delivery underscores ViroCell’s capabilities in handling complex, bespoke manufacturing for advanced CAR-T therapies and positions AvenCell to begin a Phase I first-in-human study of AVC-203 in patients with relapsed or refractory B cell lymphoma in the second half of 2025.
“We are thrilled to partner with AvenCell and support their innovative allogeneic CAR-T therapy platform,” said John W. Hadden II, CEO of ViroCell. “Team ViroCell’s ability to deliver this high-quality retroviral vector end-to-end—on time and on spec—is a testament to our commitment to accelerating novel therapies for patients in need.”
AvenCell CEO Andrew Schiermeier, Ph.D., praised the collaboration, noting, “We are delighted with ViroCell’s performance in process development and GMP manufacturing of this complex retroviral vector. We chose ViroCell knowing they could execute reliably where others fall short. The delivery of this vector for AVC-203 validates that trust.”
The partnership highlights the growing momentum behind allogeneic CAR-T therapies, which offer the promise of scalable, off-the-shelf treatment options with the potential for broader accessibility and reduced cost compared to traditional autologous approaches.
