Official Launch of the IPCEI-P-SMaRT Project

Yesterday, NecstGen, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), NTrans Biotechnologies B.V., and Divvly launched the IPCEI-P-SMaRT project, an initiative under IPCEI Med4Cure. The project is focused on improving gene editing and gene therapy manufacturing, strengthening Europe’s position in these areas.

The event brought together researchers, government representatives, and industry experts to discuss the project’s goals and the impact on the future of medicine. Speakers included:

🔹 Paul Bilars (NecstGen) – Introduction to the project and its significance.
🔹 Karla van Rooijen (Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport) – The role of government in advancing gene therapy and healthcare.
🔹 Niels Geijsen (LUMC) – Overview of the non-viral CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing production platform.
🔹 Frank Staal (LUMC) – Discussion on the lentiviral vector gene therapy production platform and its potential for patients.

Peter Heijkoop, Mayor of Leiden, was also in attendance, reflecting the city’s commitment to fostering the growth of Leiden Bio Science Park as a center for biopharmaceutical development.

Advancing Gene Therapy in Europe

With contributions from leading researchers such as Frank Staal, the project aims to improve the way gene therapies are developed and produced. By refining manufacturing methods and ensuring these therapies can be brought to more patients, this initiative has the potential to move treatments beyond rare diseases and into broader applications in healthcare.

Tour of NecstGen’s Cleanrooms

The event concluded with a visit to NecstGen’s cleanrooms, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the facilities that will support the project’s work. Attendees had the opportunity to discuss how these technologies can be translated from research to clinical practice.

The IPCEI-P-SMaRT project is a step forward in strengthening Europe’s position in gene therapy and biopharmaceutical manufacturing. It highlights Leiden Bio Science Park’s role as a place where science and industry come together to make advanced treatments a reality.

Learn more about the IPCEI-P-SMaRT project here: [Press Release]