ALBANY, NY – Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) is pleased to announce that its Stack Family Center for Biopharmaceutical Education and Training (CBET) is partnering with Univercells Technologies, a Belgian-based company, to provide onsite access and training on cutting bioreactor technologies, the scale-X™ hydro and scale-X carbo fixed-bed bioreactors.  This partnership will provide expert process development and commercialization opportunities.  

Univercells Technologies designs and develops novel biomanufacturing technologies that overcome existing manufacturing bottlenecks by enabling flexible and scalable viral production. The scale-X fixed-bed bioreactor portfolio includes R&D to commercial scale footprints. The NevoLine™ Upstream platform Technologies allows customers achieve cost-effective vaccine and gene therapy production in a closed, flexible unit, a particularly attractive feature in our current environment.

The Stack Family Center for Biopharmaceutical Education and Training (CBET) is a center of excellence for training and research solutions for the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry. This partnership with Univercells Technologies will extend its capabilities in the production of cell lines used in vaccine development and gene therapies. The unique technology of the systems allows for continuous, closed production, thereby reducing the costs, complexity and risks associated with manufacturing.

Univercells Technologies will provide the scale-X hydro and scale-X carbo fixed-bed bioreactor systems and lend its expertise to the team at CBET and will partner in the development of the related training material and course design. In turn, CBET will “train the trainer” on Univercells Technologies equipment in the United States and provide a beta site for clients wishing to pilot the technology.

“I’m excited that CBET can join Univercells Technologies to increase access to enabling equipment that helps to remove production barriers. This partnership leverages the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences’ deep knowledge of therapeutic action and pairs it with technology-driven development. The partnership further positions CBET to be at the leading edge of training the workforce needs to make and dispense these medicines,” said Dr. Michelle Lewis, Executive Director of CBET.

“Univercells Technologies chose CBET as our first U.S.-based training partner location because our missions are so well aligned. CBET is a purpose-built facility that will remain dedicated to expanding their footprint and range of training to help advance and standardize the approach to Cell and Gene Therapy production. Together, we will provide both a training ground to students to prepare them for a successful career in industry as well as a make more available new technology platforms to current developers within gene therapy.” commented Mathias Garny, CEO of Univercells Technologies.

Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences will invest nearly $9 million to renovate laboratory space for new Quality Assurance/Quality Control and Cell and Gene Therapy labs. The project will also install and support the operation of the highly specialized biopharmaceutical laboratory equipment for contract research and workforce training.

This initiative is part of the CBET mission to leverage partnerships with industry, academia and government agencies to help advance the industry. The team is focused on identifying and deploying cutting edge biopharmaceutical manufacturing technology to support current and future workforce demands while promoting economic development, community outreach, and engagement for students and practicing professionals. CBET will continue to engage international partners like Univercells Technologies to support the regional economy and development of a biopharma hub within the Capital Region of New York State.

About CBET

The Stack Family Center for Biopharmaceutical Education and Training (CBET) is Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences’ response to the rapidly growing biopharmaceutical field and the need for an educated workforce, which has been cited as one of the critical constraints to growth of the biopharmaceutical industry. The Center provides ACPHS students with the knowledge and hands-on experience to bring innovative biopharmaceuticals to patients. Located at the Albany NanoTech Complex, CBET is the first center of its kind in the United States to be created by a pharmacy and health sciences college.

Website: CBET

About Univercells Technologies

Univercells Technologies is a global provider of innovative biomanufacturing technologies to achieve cost-effective viral production from R&D to commercial scales. The company offers a comprehensive technology portfolio leveraging the strengths of process intensification and chaining as a direct answer to the growing demand of viral vectors and viral vaccines. Univercells Technologies is committed to helping customers increase performance with minimized footprint and costs today, while anticipating the needs of tomorrow.

Building upon years of expertise and capitalizing on technology vetted by world leaders, Univercells Technologies was incorporated in Belgium in 2020 following its carve-out from Univercells with the support of the Univercells Group and Gamma Biosciences.

LinkedIn: Univercells Technologies

About ACPHS

Founded in 1881, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) is a private, independent college with a long tradition of academic and research excellence. In addition to Pharmacy, ACPHS offers programs in Biomedical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pre-Med and Public Health.  The college’s mission is to educate the next generation of leaders to improve the health of society. ACPHS ranks #1 in New York and #2 in the U.S. for best return on investment according to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. ACPHS was also named the #1 value-added college in the country by the Wall Street Journal and the Brookings Institution.

Website: ACPHS