Matti Sällberg: We want to increase industry interest in collaborating with researchers

What is GMP?

– A pre-GMP facility facilitates the transition from making a discovery in the research lab to developing it for drug production, i.e., according to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). In the pre-GMP facility, techniques can be tested and protocols developed, which are then transferred to a GMP unit. This makes development easier and cheaper.

How long have you been around?

– We have been around for about 3 years.

How unique are you?

– Currently, we are the only pre-GMP unit, but there are more under construction or in the planning stage. A similar facility is the Testa Center in Uppsala.

Can you tell us about an exciting project?

– A project that has just begun, and recently received funding from Vinnova, is called LaScarna. It involves three things:

Setting up mRNA production for research at the pre-GMP unit. For treatment in phase 1 studies at Vecura at Karolinska University Hospital. For large-scale production at Northx Biologics in Matfors. Here, we hope to create a good chain so that researchers developing mRNA-based drugs can access material for research as well as large clinical trials and ultimately pure drug production.

Can companies turn to you for help?

– All the help one needs. Everything from advice to assistance with the production of various cell or gene-based products.

What should one consider before contacting you?

– It is fine to contact us for all types of questions; we do our best to help and ensure that companies are on the right track.

What type of projects come to you?

– Typically, projects where one sees the potential to develop into a product or a drug/treatment.

Stockholm Life Tech is a project funded by the European Structural Funds. You are part of the project, what do you hope to gain from it?

– We see it as a way to improve the marketing of the pre-GMP laboratory and to increase industry interest in collaborating with academic and clinical researchers to develop new treatments that will ultimately benefit patients.