With extensive experience in gene therapy vector manufacturing, Dr. Wright, scientific co-founder and former CTO of Spark Therapeutics, will support Yposkesi’s innovation in viral vector design, production and characterization
YposKesi, the largest European CDMO producing viral vectors (AAV and Lentivirus) for biopharmaceutical companies active in gene therapy, today announces the appointment of Dr. Fraser Wright as senior advisor. Dr. Wright is a highly respected and distinguished research scientist with in-depth knowledge of gene therapy vector manufacturing, whose experience includes leading process and analytical methods development as well as GMP manufacturing and quality systems. He will provide Yposkesi with scientific and technological advice and guidance on innovation in the production of viral vectors.
“We are proud to welcome Dr. Wright as senior advisor,” said Alain Lamproye, CEO of Yposkesi. “His outstanding expertise and experience will reinforce our competitive edge through innovation. The scientific and technological innovation we are developing is geared to optimizing efficiency in producing viral vectors at optimized cost, to the benefit of Yposkesi’s partners, clients and that of patients.”
With more than 20 years’ experience developing viral vector-based new biologic products in both industry and academia, Dr. Wright joins Yposkesi in the midst of the company expanding its production capabilities and bolstering its market competitiveness. Yposkesi is currently doubling its building facilities at its European site from 50,000ft2 to 100,000ft2 (approx. 5,000m2 to 10,000m2).
“After decades of innovation, development and proof of concept in clinical studies, the gene and cell therapy field has now seen important product approvals in the EU and the US, fulfilling its promise to be a powerful new therapeutic paradigm for unmet medical needs. With its long-standing heritage and a foundation in gene therapy through Genethon, excellence in process development, vector manufacturing and quality systems, and state-ofthe- art facilities, Yposkesi will continue to play a key role in advancing these transformative new medicines. I am pleased and sincerely honored to join Yposkesi as senior advisor to help realize its important mission,” said Fraser Wright. Since its founding in 2016, Yposkesi has advanced bioprocess developments, with significant success in developing an innovative process for large-scale cost-effective manufacturing of highly complex ATMPs (Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products). Dr. J. Fraser Wright, Ph.D. is a co-founder of Spark Therapeutics, Inc. where he served as chief technology advisor (2013-2014) and chief technology officer (2015-2017). Dr. Wright established and served as director at the Clinical Vector Core division within the Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Concurrently, he was research professor of pathology and laboratory medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. He has overseen investigational product chemistry, manufacturing and controls for gene therapy viral vectors for more than 200 human subjects in 12 clinical programs, including LUXTURNA, the first gene therapy approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a genetic disease, and the rLenti component for KYMRIAH, the first CAR-T therapy approved by the FDA. His primary research interests focus on the development and clinical translation of gene therapy vectors with the goal of achieving effective new treatments for serious human diseases. With training in biochemistry, immunology and virology, he has been engaged for more than 25 years in the development of viral vector-based new biologic products in both industry and academic settings. Dr. Wright previously served as director of development and clinical manufacturing at Avigen, Inc. He received his B.S. and Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Toronto.
About Yposkesi
Yposkesi is the largest European Contract Development & Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) for gene therapy vector manufacturing. Created in November 2016 in Corbeil-Essonnes (France) as a spin off from the world-class gene therapy pioneer Genethon, Yposkesi provides a full-service; covering bioprocess development (USP & DSP), from small/pilot to large production scale, analytical development, GMP manufacturing of clinical lots of lentiviral and AAV vectors and regulatory support. Its current facility consists of a 50,000ft2 (approx. 5,000m2) building, operating four manufacturing suites for bulk drug substance, and two fill & finish suites. This capacity will be doubled in 2021 with a second large scale facility (50,000ft2) equipped with two 1,000L bioreactors, designed for commercial production and EMA and FDA compliance. Capitalizing on more than 25 years of expertise, Yposkesi invests significantly in innovation in bioprocessing to deliver on high quality projects, cost-effectively.
http://www.yposkesi.com
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