LUMC (Leiden Universitair Medisch Centrum) and NecstGen are integrating their cell and gene therapy development and manufacturing activities into a single location at LUMC. This move brings together the strengths of both organizations, retaining their key capabilities while creating opportunities to complement and strengthen each other.
The LUMC Center for Cell and Gene Therapy has established itself as a leading environment for developing and translating cell and gene therapies to patients. NecstGen contributes extensive expertise in cell therapy, viral vector manufacturing, and the commercialization of these advanced treatments. By combining their knowledge, experience, and specialist teams, the two organizations are creating a solid platform for continued progress in cell and gene therapy. The integration will also position them more effectively to meet future developments in the field.
What are cell and gene therapies?
Cell and gene therapies are innovative medical treatments that use living cells or genetic material to address disease. They are primarily developed for patients with serious illnesses where current treatment options provide limited benefit. These therapies are already being used, both within and outside clinical studies, for conditions such as cancer and type 1 diabetes. At LUMC, efforts in this area bring together scientific research, clinical expertise, and advanced manufacturing capabilities to help make novel treatments available to patients.
Responding to a changing market
The cell and gene therapy sector continues to evolve rapidly. The loss of Galapagos as a major customer for NecstGen highlights how market dynamics and strategic partnerships can shift over time. As a result, ongoing evaluation of cell and gene therapy strategies remains essential.
In recent months, LUMC and NecstGen have engaged in extensive discussions about the future direction of their activities. They concluded that consolidating their cell and gene therapy facilities within LUMC offers the most sustainable and forward-looking path. The combined operation will continue under the name NecstGen Center for Cell and Gene Therapy. The facility will remain part of RegMed XB and continue to serve as the national pilot plant for regenerative medicine.
According to Ymke Fokma, member of the Executive Board of LUMC: “Our goal is to accelerate patient access to cell and gene therapies, including treatments for SCID, a rare inherited immune disorder. At the same time, the realities of a changing market require us to adapt our approach. Together, we have identified a sustainable path forward. We remain committed to investing in cell and gene therapy, allowing LUMC to continue developing innovative treatments for the future in a focused and effective way.”