Forge Biologics, a manufacturer of genetic medicines, joined forces with the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine’s (CIRM) Industry Resource Partner Program to help advance the manufacturing of adeno-associated adenovirus (AAV) gene therapy programs from California.

With $5.5 billion in funding from the state, CIRM is involved in the development and funding of regenerative medicine clinical trials focused on cell and gene therapies.

Forge joins the CIRM Industry Resource Partner Program and will enable accelerated research and cGMP AAV manufacturing to CIRM-funded programs. Forge will assist CIRM’s partners in accelerating gene therapy development and manufacturing. Forge’s platform process and CDMO services, including fill-finish, will enable CIRM programs to receive more efficient services and save time getting through the clinical phases of development to reach commercial potential.

Forge specializes in accelerating AAV gene therapy programs at any stage, from preclinical to clinical and commercial manufacturing. All manufacturing is done at the Hearth, Forge’s 200,000 sq.-ft.  cGMP facility in Columbus, OH.

“We are enthusiastic about collaborating with the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to help advance gene therapy programs through our clinically proven manufacturing processes, which may help CIRM programs more quickly reach clinical trials in a state fulfilling the promise of gene therapy to help patients in need,” said Timothy Miller, CEO, President, and Co-Founder of Forge.

“CIRM’s Industry Resource Partner Program aims to create a force-multiplier effect by bringing in industry partners who possess resources, experience and expertise to accelerate CIRM-funded regenerative medicine research projects,” said Shyam Patel, senior director of business development and alliance management at CIRM. “By agreeing to provide access to its AAV manufacturing services, Forge Biologics joins our collaborative network of partners who share our unwavering commitment to advancing transformative regenerative medicine therapies for patients.”