Excellence Hub for Advancing Innovation in Gene Therapy: GeneH

Programme(s): HORIZON.4.1 - Widening participation and spreading excellence

Topic(s): HORIZON-WIDERA-2023-ACCESS-07-01 - Excellence Hubs

Call for proposal: HORIZON-WIDERA-2023-ACCESS-07

Funding Scheme: HORIZON-CSA - HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions

Grant agreement ID: 101186939

Objective:
GeneH proposes to create an excellence hub in gene therapy through strategic partnerships within and beyond Widening countries. Despite gene therapy's recognized priority in genomic medicine and its potential for high-curative economic impact, challenges persist in its development process, from conceptualization to commercialization. GeneH intends to address these challenges by serving as a catalyst for overcoming barriers and expediting research translation. To achieve this, GeneH will establish a robust and sustainable hub that builds upon already established ecosystems in the field and recent H2020 WIDENING projects to implement centers of excellence in gene therapy (GeneT in PT and CTGCT in SL). The academic partners at its core, namely, the University of Coimbra (UC) in Portugal and the National Institute of Chemistry (KI/NIC) in Slovenia , have reached substantial achievements by partnering with industry (Bluepharma, Biocant Park, Biosistemika, Jafral), hospitals (CHUC EPE), policy makers (CCDRC, RRA LUR), ecosystem/innovation supporters (SIH EEIG, IPN), and patient associations (APAHE, ZOPS). Partners in the two ecosystems share a common goal: treating life- threatening or chronically debilitating diseases considered incurable. By harnessing the combined expertise and resources of its partners, GeneH aims to drive cross- sectoral collaboration through its 4-helix network, in a multidimensional approach that will gather further investment, address ethical and regulatory aspects, implement de- risking approaches, educational and training programes, joint R&I programs, and prepare the path for clinical trials of new gene therapy products, while actively engaging society. By positioning itself as a leading hub in gene therapy, in line with regional, national, and European strategies, GeneH seeks to contribute to European competitive leadership globally, advancing healthcare, fostering economic growth, and making a positive societal impact.