Seqens confirms the acquisition of CELLforCURE
SEQENS confirms the acquisition of the CELLforCURE site at Les Ulis (91) from NOVARTIS as of December 1st, and presents its transformation project to make it a leader in the development and contract manufacturing of cell and gene therapies.
This is an opportunity to acknowledge the know-how and skills of the CELLforCURE teams, as well as the commitment of NOVARTIS and SEQENS to maintaining and developing this strategic activity in France. It is also an opportunity to recall the role of the French government in maintaining the resources and capacities of this site in France, which is essential to the deployment of the Biotherapies and Bioproduction of Innovative Therapies Acceleration Strategy, steered by the “Agence pour l’Innovation en Santé” and launched on January 7, 2022 by the President Emmanuel Macron. This is essential for the development of the French biomanufacturing ecosystem, which includes both private and public players, including the “Etablissement français du sang”.
10 years of gene and cell therapy
Inaugurated 10 years ago in September 2013, Les Ulis (91) site was one of the first modular units in Europe to enable large-scale industrial production of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP). It has an annual production capacity of several hundred therapeutic batches, and draws on over 10,000 m² of facilities, 6 independent and flexible GMP production lines, and the know-how, skills and expertise of CELLforCURE’s teams. This facility, the only one of its kind in France, has all the authorizations required to offer large-scale production services, whether for clinical or commercial needs, to academic laboratories, cell therapy centers, biotechs and pharmaceutical companies leading the development of cell and gene therapy drugs through to market launch.
“The acquisition of CELLforCURE’s activities, facilitated by the mobilization of government departments, confirms France’s dynamism in the field of cell and gene therapy. At Les Ulis, Seqens researchers will benefit from a robust infrastructure and cutting-edge services, in close liaison with the academic ecosystem. They will thus make a major contribution to the deployment of the Biotherapies and Bioproduction of Innovative Therapies Acceleration Strategy announced by the President of the Republic as part of the France 2030 investments.” Sylvie Retailleau, French Minister of Higher Education and Research.
“Maintaining the CELLforCURE unit is excellent news: I can’t stress enough the importance of having biomanufacturing capacity in France to give patients access to the most innovative therapies, particularly for rare diseases. I would like to acknowledge the role and expertise of all the players in the French ecosystem, and their ability to work in complete synergy. “ Aurélien Rousseau, French Minister of Health and Prevention.
“Maintaining the CELLforCURE unit, the only one of its kind in France, is strategic for our industrial and healthcare sovereignty. I would like to underscored the role played by the French government, and in particular the Direction Générale des Entreprises, which successfully supported Novartis in its search for buyers.” Roland Lescure, Minister Delegate for Industry in France.
“CELLforCURE is unique in France in its ability to produce GMP-grade batches of gene and cell therapies. The Direction Générale des Entreprises is delighted that Seqens, with our help, has presented an ambitious transformation plan aimed at making CELLforCURE a market leader in the biomanufacturing of gene and cell therapies over the next few years.” Thomas Courbe, Director of Direction Général des Entreprises.
“Today, the CELLforCURE site at Les Ulis is a benchmark in the industrial production of cell and gene therapies, and we’re proud of the expertise we’ve developed here. Indeed, these therapies represent a real hope for patients with no therapeutic alternative. In our view, Seqens’ takeover of CELLforCURE has all the qualities needed to ensure the long-term future of the site and its heritage.” Thibaut Victor-Michel, President of Novartis France.
Becoming a leader in CDMO for cell and gene therapies
With the acquisition of CELLforCURE, SEQENS aims to rapidly develop a strategic and unique business in Europe, while maintaining/capitalizing on the recognized know-how and skills of CELLforCURE’s teams. In addition, SEQENS will provide CELLforCURE with the recognized expertise of a world leader in its field, integration into its global network, and a strong investment capacity to ensure rapid development.
“This acquisition enables Seqens to enter the cell and gene therapy segment head-on, drawing on the unique and recognized skills of CELLforCURE’s staff. Seqens now has a unique, premium CDMO offer, combining all the most innovative technologies to serve its most demanding customers. Furthermore, Seqens is proud to continue investing in Europe and France to maintain and develop essential and strategic units and skills for the healthcare sector.” Pierre Luzeau, Seqens CEO
“In a context where health sovereignty is fundamental, Seqens’ takeover of CELLforCURE represents a major opportunity for innovative medicines to shape tomorrow’s healthcare. This initiative is perfectly aligned with the objectives of SA BB, led by the Agence de l’Innovation en Santé, to promote the development of the biotherapies and biomanufacturing sector.” Lise Alter, Director of the Agence de l’innovation en santé (AIS)
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