Leading experts in cell and gene therapy will provide guidance to support Genezen’s commitment to bringing life-changing therapies to market

March 29, 2022 – Genezen, a cell and gene therapy Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), has announced the launch of its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) and its members.

Comprised of experienced industry experts, the newly formed SAB will work closely with Genezen’s senior leadership team as it works to meet the increasing demands of the cell and gene therapy sector.

“One of our core values is leading with science. Our emergence from the world of academia, focus on innovation, and knowledge of the lenti- and retroviral vector platforms underlines this.

“The SAB is an extension of that value and our way to ensure we are always in line with best practices, thinking ahead as the field advances, and hearing the perspective of cell and gene therapy developers,” said Pratima Cherukuri, Chief Scientific Officer at Genezen and SAB chair.

The newly appointed SAB includes:

Chris Ballas, Ph.D. – SVP of Manufacturing for Innovative Cellular Therapeutics, with more than 25 years of experience working on cell and gene therapies in academic and industry roles with expertise in research, development, testing, and manufacturing of viral vectors and cell therapies.

Spencer Hoover, Ph.D. – a trained virologist and former Director of Process and Analytical Development at CCRM, Spencer is an independent consultant and expert in process and analytical development in cell and gene therapies.

Kai Lipinski, Ph.D. – Chief Scientific Officer at Vibalogics, Kai heads up the process/analytical development teams in Germany and the US. He has a wealth of experience in live virus/vector manufacturing from a variety of roles across the industry.
Pratima stated, “It is a privilege to join such an esteemed group of scientific thought leaders and industry experts. I look forward to working with the members and the Genezen team to further our shared commitment to bringing life-changing therapies to market quicker.”

“We are honored to be working with the SAB who bring with them vast experience and extensive expertise in both cell and gene therapy and drug development. The SAB provides the business with a fantastic opportunity to pass on the benefits of their scientific, development and strategic insights to our clients as we build and grow Genezen,” said Pratima.

The SAB will help drive Genezen’s growth alongside a new 75,000+ square foot cGMP-compliant lentiviral and retroviral vector production facility in Indianapolis, US. The first phase of this expansion, a process development and analytical lab, officially opened in December 2021. The next phase, with cGMP production suites, is currently underway and due to complete in early 2022.

View the Scientific Advisory Board member’s biographies here.