In Ljubljana, a Center for Gene and Cell Therapy Technologies is being established, co-financed with European funds, which will enable accelerated development of therapies in the field of gene treatment of diseases.
Ljubljana – The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Igor Papič and the Director of the National Institute of Chemistry Gregor Anderluh on Monday signed a co-financing agreement for the Center for Gene and Cell Therapy Technologies. The center will enable accelerated development of therapies in the field of gene treatment of diseases; based on the European Widening – Teaming for Excellence call, the European Commission has allocated 15 million euros in non-repayable funds to the project.
The total value of the project amounts to 30 million euros, with the remaining half to be contributed by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation. The Center for Gene and Cell Therapy Technologies, which currently operates at the National Institute of Chemistry, will obtain new premises on the institute’s site. They will develop new, personalized methods of treatment that will enable patients with rare diseases faster access to therapy.
The Director of the National Institute of Chemistry Anderluh described the establishment of the center as extremely important for Slovenia. He mentioned the development of gene replacement therapy for children with the neurodevelopmental CTNNB1 syndrome, which is in the clinical trial phase. The first to receive the therapy was a boy, Urban, after whom the medicine is named urbagen. Minister Papič emphasized that with the establishment of the center, such projects will be significantly easier. He highlighted the strong expertise of Slovenian specialists and added that usually there are many more challenges in securing adequate funds for such projects.
The new premises of the Center for Gene and Cell Therapy Technologies are expected to be built by the end of 2027, and should be fully operational by the end of 2029. (22 December)
