Chimeric Therapeutics (ASX:CHM) has signed a Letter of Intent with Viral Vector Manufacturing Facility (VVMF) to establish a strategic partnership focused on the development and GMP-grade manufacturing of lentiviral vectors for its cell therapy programs.
The collaboration is set to bolster sovereign advanced manufacturing capacity and accelerate access to next-generation therapies for patients in Australia and globally.
Under the agreement, VVMF will provide process development, technology transfer and GMP manufacturing of lentiviral vectors to support Chimeric’s clinical-stage CAR-T therapy portfolio. Viral vectors are essential to the manufacture of CAR-T therapies, which are transforming cancer treatment by enabling precision-engineered immune cells to target and destroy cancer cells.
VVMF Chief Executive Stephen Thompson said the collaboration demonstrates the growing maturity of Australia’s cell and gene therapy landscape.
“We are excited to be supporting Chimeric’s clinical development program as Australia’s first and only commercial-scale viral vector manufacturer,” Thompson said. “This collaboration strengthens sovereign advanced manufacturing, supports the creation of high-value jobs in Western Sydney, and allows us to demonstrate our capability to develop and manufacture GMP-grade viral vectors for the global cell and gene therapy marketplace.”
Chimeric CEO Rebecca McQualter said the agreement aligns with the company’s strategy to build secure, efficient and local supply chains to support its growing pipeline.
“Having access to local, GMP-grade viral vector manufacturing not only strengthens our supply chain but also supports the broader goal of building world-class advanced therapy capabilities here in Australia,” Dr McQualter said. “This partnership will help accelerate our CAR-T therapy programs and bring these transformative treatments to more patients.”
Chimeric has one of Australia’s most advanced clinical cell therapy portfolios, including first-in-class autologous CAR-T and best-in-class allogeneic NK cell therapies. Its lead program, CHM CDH17, is currently in phase 1/2 trials for gastrointestinal and neuroendocrine tumours. Other programs include CHM CORE-NK and CHM CLTX, which target blood cancers and glioblastoma.