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ImpaCT CTM CRC May ‘15 RPA JOINS CTM CRC Advancing Australia’s cell therapy industry INTERNATIONAL STRATEGIC ALLIANCE International regenerative medicine groups form strategic alliance to commercialise cell therapies INDUSTRY-READY EDUCATION ePhD program launched

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Page 1: ICT · University of South Australia University of Sydney Women’s and Children’s Health Network Inc. South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) Ltd Registered

ImpaCTCTM

CRC

May ‘15

RPA JOINS CTM CRC Advancing Australia’s cell therapy industry

INTERNATIONAL STRATEGIC ALLIANCEInternational regenerative medicine groups form strategic alliance to commercialise cell therapies

INDUSTRY-READY EDUCATIONePhD program launched

Page 2: ICT · University of South Australia University of Sydney Women’s and Children’s Health Network Inc. South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) Ltd Registered

CTM CRCThe CRC for Cell Therapy Manufacturing (CTM CRC) will facilitate the cost-effective manufacture and rapid translation of cell therapies into clinical practice. It will provide new treatments and develop new materials-based manufacturing technologies for the treatment of conditions such as diabetes, chronic wounds, cardiovascular disease, and immune-mediated diseases such as graft versus host disease.

CTM CRC brings together the spectrum of skills and facilities required to turn a promising cell into a viable cell therapy. CTM CRC’s national and international partners include research providers, industry, hospitals and charities. Underpinning this partnership is a newly established cGMP manufacturing facility, designed to deliver cell-based therapeutics for proof of concept and first-in-man clinical trials.

Recognising the importance of education as a key contributor to the ongoing development of new cell therapies and treatments, CTM CRC has pioneered a tailored Entrepreneurial PhD (ePhD) Program. The ePhD Program will ensure that graduates are equipped with the necessary skills to understand and drive the translation of research into new therapies - supporting Australia’s expanding cell therapy and biotechnology industries.

VisionTo provide new treatments and develop new materials-based manufacturing technologies to increase the accessibility, affordability and efficacy of cell therapies.

BoardDr Leanna Read (Chair)Dr Sherry KothariMr Alexander Gosling AMMr Charlie LathamDr Stephen LiveseyMr Ray Wood

Audit & Risk Committee

Mr Charlie LathamMs Suzanne Ridding Mr Ray Wood

ParticipantsAthersys, Inc.

Cell Therapies Pty Ltd

Exylika Pty Ltd

Medvet Science Pty Ltd

NextCell Pty Ltd

Queensland University of Technology

Royal Prince Alfred Hospital

The Royal Adelaide Hospital - a division of Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Inc.

St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research

SA Pathology - a division of Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Inc.

Terumo BCT, Inc.

University of South Australia

University of Sydney

Women’s and Children’s Health Network Inc.

South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) Ltd

Registered OfficeLevel 5Catherine Helen Spence BuildingUniSA, City West CampusAdelaide, South AustraliaAUSTRALIA 5000

T +61 8 8302 3503E [email protected]

W ctmcrc.com

www.twitter.com/CTMCRC www.facebook.com/ctm.crc

www.linkedin.com/company/crc-for-cell-therapy-manufacturing

Cover image: A receptor protein (orange) attached to the membrane (green) on the surface of a cell - Lewis Martin, University of Sydney

Cell Therapy Manufacturing

Cooperative Research Centre

2| CTM CRC ImpaCT

Page 3: ICT · University of South Australia University of Sydney Women’s and Children’s Health Network Inc. South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) Ltd Registered

CTM CRC has welcomed world-renowned Royal Prince Alfred Hospital’s (RPA) Department of Cell and Molecular Therapies,

headed by Professor John Rasko AO, as a CRC participant. This partnership mobilises a $1.8 million cash and in-kind investment within the CRC, leveraging over 50 years’ experience in the cell and gene therapy industry at RPA to help realise the CRC’s vision to make cell therapies more affordable and accessible.

CTM CRC is focused on the development of new materials-based manufacturing technologies to improve cell isolation, expansion and delivery, and to facilitate the rapid translation of cell therapies into clinical practice.

With a strong team of clinicians and researchers, and commercial focus provided by its industry partners, the CRC will use these technologies to fulfill its objectives.

RPA’s department of Cell and Molecular Therapies will bring considerable knowhow and expertise in clinical trials management and process development that will assist in the translation of promising CRC research into the clinic. Professor

Rasko said that Cell and Molecular Therapies at RPA was very enthusiastic about the opportunities being a CRC participant would bring.

“Our commitment to manufacturing and research and development now provides the CRC with a substantial opportunity to improve capacity for human clinical trials in this exciting and demanding field,” Professor Rasko said.

In addition to the RPA team’s skills and expertise, the CRC will also gain access to the RPA’s unique Process Development (PD) laboratory. The laboratory enables manufacturing processes to be scaled up from laboratory-scale to clinical scale in a tightly controlled environment, ensuring a smooth transition into registered clinical trials.

Dr Sherry Kothari, CEO and Managing Director of the CRC, said that the skills of the RPA team and the PD laboratory would add key expertise and strengthen the capabilities of the CRC.

Furthermore, the inclusion of the RPA in the CRC will open the door to more collaborations between CRC participants.

“The development of a promising cell into a therapy is long and arduous. The commercial ‘manufacture’ of a cell therapy requires a consistent and controlled process, to ensure a product that is safe and effective. Professor Rasko and his team at the RPA bring essential skills and experience in developing these processes that will be harnessed by the CRC to streamline the transition of research from the laboratory into clinical trials,” she said.

Prof John Rasko AO & Dr Janet MacPherson, Department of Cell and Molecular Therapies, RPA

RPA JOINS CTM CRCAdvancing Australia’s cell therapy industry

Page |3

highlights

Page 4: ICT · University of South Australia University of Sydney Women’s and Children’s Health Network Inc. South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) Ltd Registered

4| CTM CRC ImpaCT

CTM CRC has formed a strategic alliance with two international regenerative medicine translation centres, the Centre

for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine (CCRM) in Canada and the Cell Therapy Catapult in the UK. The alliance will provide CTM CRC, CCRM and the Cell Therapy Catapult a pathway for collaboration to further drive the development and commercialisation of cell therapies on a global level.

“A high degree of collaboration among leading translational centres can help to advance commercial opportunities.”Keith Thompson, the Cell Therapy Catapult

Cell therapies are being hailed as the next pillar of medicine due to their potential to use living cells to treat and possibly cure previously incurable diseases. CTM CRC, CCRM and the Cell Therapy Catapult are committed to bringing cell therapies to market that will enable the delivery of these life saving benefits to patients. Collaboration between the centres will open the door to new international networks, ideas and technical expertise that will fast-track this vision.

Keith Thompson, CEO of the Cell Therapy Catapult, said: “A high degree of collaboration among leading translational centres can help to advance commercial opportunities. The agreement we have made with CTM CRC will allow us to leverage international research and company networks to deliver health and wealth and fast-track the development of cell therapies for the global market.”

Agreements detailing the terms of this strategic alliance define opportunities for collaboration on potential joint projects and commercial opportunities, including research and development, commercialisation, clinical trials, standardisation and regulatory efforts, funding, reimbursement strategies, training programs, and other initiatives.

Michael May, President and CEO of the Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine, welcomed the collaboration saying: “The objectives of each of the centres are very tightly aligned; it makes sense that we would combine our strengths and resources. If we can push the commercialisation of promising technologies, not only will it create patient benefits, but there will be economic benefits as well.”

Cell therapy is one of the most anticipated advances of the century, with the global market estimated to grow to US$6.1 billion by 2020. The current level of activity and investment is also at a record high. Many of the world’s largest biomedical and pharmaceutical companies are investing heavily in research and development in cell therapies, including Novartis, Johnson and Johnson, Pfizer, Amgen and GSK. The strategic alliance between CTM CRC, CCRM and the Cell Therapy Catapult will augment each organisation’s efforts to capitalise on the opportunities and impact of cell therapies in their respective countries.

“By leveraging our combined international networks and expertise, we are ensuring that our endeavours in this promising field are as efficient and effective as possible, bringing cell therapies to market faster. Successful commercialisation of cell therapies will not only benefit patients, but promote the growth of a new, high value-add industry, creating jobs and opportunities for investment,” explained Dr Sherry Kothari, CEO, CTM CRC.

INTERNATIONAL STRATEGIC ALLIANCEInternational regenerative medicine groups form strategic alliance to commercialise cell therapies

highlights

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Page |5

Industry participant, Terumo BCT, has teamed up with CTM CRC to forge its first key intellectual property deal and install a new bioreactor.

“Terumo is the first industry participant that we’ve done an IP transfer deal with, as part of setting up the first research project,’’ Dr Justin Coombs, General Manager & IP Counsel at CTM CRC said.

Dr Coombs stated that the IP transfer deal has the potential to generate revenue and fund future research efforts.

“Everything that comes out of this particular collaboration with Terumo will be owned by the company, however, CTM CRC would receive part of the commercial return. This return would then be distributed among CTM CRC research participants and reinvested by the CRC company into further research,” Dr Coombs said.

“What we’re about is making cell therapies affordable. We’ve made one leapfrog. I think this partnership could help us leapfrog even further.”Dr Chockalingam Palaniappan, Terumo BCT

As well as the establishment of the IP transfer deal, the CRC has installed a new bioreactor provided by Terumo to be used for developing novel cell growth surfaces.

Terumo Senior Vice President, Dr Chockalingam Palaniappan, said that in lay terms, the bioreactor technology involved making the surface of a hollow fibre conducive to faster and easier cell growth.

“What we’re about is making cell therapies affordable. We’ve made one leapfrog. I think this partnership could help us leapfrog even further,” Dr Palaniappan said.

CTM CRC CEO and Managing Director, Dr Sherry Kothari, said Terumo’s specialisation in bioreactors for the growing of cells was at the core of the collaboration and that it intended to improve this process.

“It’s about taking it a step further in terms of, perhaps, making it more efficient, more specialised, more cost effective. Any and all of the above.’’

Health Industries Minister Jack Snelling said the CRC’s success was another step towards creating a cell manufacturing hub for the Asia-Pacific, here in Adelaide.

“Given the very high costs of cell therapies, CTM CRC aims to make such treatments more affordable and accessible.”

“This latest achievement adds to the state’s reputation for health and biomedical research and innovation and complements one of the largest health precincts in the Southern Hemisphere, the South Australian Health and Biomedical precinct.’’

Terumo BCT’s Quantum® Cell Expansion System

TERUMO & CTM CRC IP TRANSFER DEALCTM CRC signs intellectual property deal with Terumo BCT & receives new bioreactor

Page 6: ICT · University of South Australia University of Sydney Women’s and Children’s Health Network Inc. South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) Ltd Registered

Novel cell growth surfaces for bioreactors to expand therapeutically useful cells. Focussed on improving the yield and cost to manufacture adult cells for therapeutic applications such as mesenchymal progenitor cells.

Improved bioreactors

Targeted delivery

Development and clinical application of advanced materials-based expansion and delivery systems for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers and similar wounds, using adult stem cells.

Functionalised surfaces and devices for the rapid isolation and scalable expansion of human T cells for human cell-based therapy. Cells will be investigated in human clinical trials for the prevention of rejection associated with transplants.

T cell expansion

EPC expansionNovel surface chemistries and protocols for the ex vivo expansion of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) as well as the development of coated stents for the selective recruitment of EPCs.

Dr Jason Whittle

Prof Marcela Bilek

Dr Louise Smith

Dr Andrew Michelmore

Prof Nico Voelcker

Prof Simon

Barry

A/Prof Claudine Bonder

6| CTM CRC ImpaCT

MEET THE TEAMCTM CRC Project Leaders

Page 7: ICT · University of South Australia University of Sydney Women’s and Children’s Health Network Inc. South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) Ltd Registered

Pancreatic islet delivery

cGMP compliance

Preclinical evaluation & data sets

Humanised mouse models

Novel surface technologies that coat materials with bioactive molecules to enhance islet survival during isolation and transportation prior to transplantation into a diabetic patient. Functionalised 3D scaffolds for the transplantation of islets and other support cells.

Establishment of a cGMP compliant manufacturing facility to support the translation of cell-based therapies developed by CTM CRC researchers into human clinical trials.

Promising wound delivery vehicles developed in the targeted delivery project will be used in preclinical animal models of diabetic wounds. Subsequent evaluation of novel adult stem cell treatments for diabetic foot ulcers in human clinical trials will be undertaken.

The humanised mouse model will be used to assess immunological responses to islets transplanted on 3D scaffolds. The impact of co-transplanted immunoregulatory cells will also be investigated.

Prof Toby Coates

Prof Allison Cowin

Dr Tim Oldham

Prof Toby Coates

Page |7

Page 8: ICT · University of South Australia University of Sydney Women’s and Children’s Health Network Inc. South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) Ltd Registered

Professor Marcela Bilek was appointed to her current position in the Department of

Applied Physics at the University of Sydney in 2000. She holds a PhD in Engineering from the University of Cambridge, UK, a Bachelor of Science (Honours and University Medal) in Physics from the University of Sydney and an MBA from the Rochester Institute of Technology, College of Business, USA. During her PhD and subsequent research fellowship at Cambridge’s Emmanuel College, Marcela also worked as a visiting researcher alongside Dr Ian Brown at the Lawrence Berkley laboratory in California, developing cathodic arc technology for the deposition of thin film materials. In 1998, Marcela accepted a visiting Professorship at the Technical University of Hamburg-Harburg, where she developed and taught a new engineering course.

Marcela is internationally recognised for her expertise in applied physics and has authored and co-authored more than 200 refereed journal articles, one book and four book

chapters and holds eight patents in her name. She is a fellow of the APS (American Physical Society) and IEEE (Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers), and a member of MRS (Materials Research Society), AVS (American Vacuum Society) and ASBTE (Australasian Society for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering).

During her career, Marcela has been the recipient of multiple awards including an Australian Innovation Challenge Award for Health, Australian Academy of Science Pawsey Medal, Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year and Young Tall Poppy Award for achievement in Science.

In 2013, the University of Sydney became a participant in the CRC for Cell Therapy Manufacturing and Marcela was appointed as a Project Leader for CTM CRC’s Improved Bioreactors project that involves using plasma-based methods to functionalise hollow fibre reactors used to manufacture cell-based therapies.

Within the project, Marcela and her team are focusing on coating bioreactors with biomolecules to enhance cell growth and expansion. While this description sounds simple enough, Marcela described the initial stages of project design as being quite challenging, as the task of getting the biomolecules to evenly coat the bioreactor was not easily accomplished.

“I really like that project because it was very challenging and it

focuses on an important aspect in developing realisable cell therapies that can be easily accessed by more people...it really addresses the costs involved with cell expansion.”

Marcela is also involved in CTM CRC’s Targeted Delivery project where she applies her skills in plasma coating to clinical dressings for the delivery of cell therapy products to wounds, including those as debilitating as diabetic foot ulcers.

When asked about her experience working with CTM CRC so far, Marcela said one of the most rewarding aspects is the opportunity to collaborate within the CRC, she commented on the multidisciplinary advantages the CRC structure offers and said she was looking forward to many more years of continued collaboration with CTM CRC.

“I got such a buzz from the ImpaCT day we had in Adelaide. Being able to meet with people that operated on patients and were working in different parts of the spectrum and yet we’re all pulling together to solve this massive problem and to move this technology forward.”

8| CTM CRC ImpaCT

Pro

fess

or

Mar

cela

Bile

k

RESEARCHER SPOTLIGHTCTM CRC’s Research Expertise

Page 9: ICT · University of South Australia University of Sydney Women’s and Children’s Health Network Inc. South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) Ltd Registered

Professor Allison CowinProfessor Allison Cowin

Professor Allison Cowin has worked in the area of wound research for over 20 years

and is highly regarded as a leader in her field. Graduating with a PhD from the University of Manchester in Endocrinology, Allison began her research foray looking at growth factors and their effects on thyroid disease. It was through this research that she began to bridge into wound research, specifically looking at transforming growth factor beta’s importance in wounds.

Allison moved to Adelaide in 1996 from the UK to work with the CRC for Tissue Growth and Repair. Following this appointment she worked at the Women’s and Children’s Health Research Institute in Adelaide. Allison is currently Professor of Regenerative Medicine at the University of South Australia, as well as this position she also fulfils the role of Program Leader for the Wound Management Innovation CRC and Project Leader for CTM CRC.

Allison is an NHMRC Senior Research Fellow and is

internationally renowned for her work on the cytoskeletal protein Flightless I. Founder and former President of the Australasian Wound and Tissue Repair Society, she is involved with many industry associations including the Australian Wound Management Association (former executive committee member) and the Australasian Society for Dermatology Research (board member). Most recently, Allison’s commitment to wound research was recognised when she was awarded Fellow of the Australian Wound Management Association.

As Project Leader for CTM CRC’s Preclinical evaluation and data sets project, Allison is drawing on her expertise in wound healing and preclinical evaluation to lead her team in testing wound delivery vehicles.

The area of diabetic wounds is often under recognised. However, as it is exacerbated by our ageing population, it is a growing area of importance.

“Diabetic wounds don’t heal, and there is no treatment to promote healing in this type of wound. People with diabetic wounds are more likely to need amputations which significantly reduces their 5-year survival rate, often lowering it more than that of someone diagnosed with cancer.”

“This is an exciting opportunity to make something that will help people – we know the problem,

we haven’t got a solution, but we have the opportunity to be able to create that solution.”

CTM CRC is the third CRC that Allison has been involved in. For her, one of the advantages of working with CRC’s is that they have a very commercial focus.

“We know what we are trying to do, and we have very close links with industry and healthcare providers. We have a link with the diabetic foot clinic at the QEH, and we visit these patients with their foot ulcers and see how it affects their lives - just knowing that we might be able to come up with something to help them is exciting.”

Page |9

Page 10: ICT · University of South Australia University of Sydney Women’s and Children’s Health Network Inc. South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) Ltd Registered

CTM CRC is governed by an independent, skills-based board of directors. The board provides high-level governance for the CRC, financial accountability and oversight of Commonwealth obligations.

MEET THE TEAMCTM CRC Board and Audit & Risk Committee

Dr Leanna ReadChair

Dr Stephen LiveseyNon-executive Director

Mr Alexander Gosling AMNon-executive Director

Mr Charlie LathamNon-executive Director & Secretary

Dr Sherry KothariCEO & Managing Director

Mr Ray WoodNon-executive Director

Ms Suzanne RiddingAudit & Risk Committee

10| CTM CRC ImpaCT

“With their diverse skills and wealth of experience accross all aspects of our activities, the Board’s input is invaluable to the future strategic direction of CTM CRC.” Dr Sherry Kothari, CTM CRC

Page 11: ICT · University of South Australia University of Sydney Women’s and Children’s Health Network Inc. South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) Ltd Registered

Dr Sherry KothariCEO & Managing Director

The CTM CRC management team engages with industry and end users to ensure that its initiatives are focussed on realising the vision of bringing integrated solutions for cost effective cell therapies to market.

CTM CRC Management

Dr Justin Coombs General Manager & IP Counsel

Dr Tony SimulaProgram Manager, R&D

Dr Monica KerrProgram Manager, Education

Ms Katrina van ZantenProjects and Compliance Officer

Ms Natalie WatkinsMarketing & Communications Officer

Page |11

“CTM CRC management is focussed on translating cutting-edge research into integrated solutions for industry and the development of new treatments for patients.”Dr Justin Coombs, CTM CRC

Page 12: ICT · University of South Australia University of Sydney Women’s and Children’s Health Network Inc. South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) Ltd Registered

12| CTM CRC ImpaCT

CTM CRC and the Wound Management Innovation CRC (WMI CRC) are collaborating to create a brighter future

for wound sufferers. The two CRCs have signed a collaboration agreement to strengthen cooperation and interaction for the development of new technologies and therapies for wound management.

The core business of the WMI CRC is to conduct research, development and clinical translation to directly influence and benefit wound sufferers. This includes conducting clinical trials, training and education (to patients, carers and health professionals), and developing new models for the delivery of best practice.

CTM CRC, through intervention with smart materials, is committed to the cost-effective manufacture and rapid translation of cell therapies for a range of clinical conditions.

“We are well positioned to work collaboratively with the WMI CRC. Our technology developments for the treatment of diabetic wounds align well with the objectives of the WMI CRC. Access to further clinical and patient networks through the WMI CRC will be beneficial as we progress towards clinical trials,” said Dr Sherry Kothari, CEO of CTM CRC.

“We are delighted to commence this collaboration with CTM CRC. This work will bring the emerging field of cell therapy and apply it to a specific wound type. We of course hope to build on this success as cell therapy becomes more established in many other areas of medicine.” said Dr Ian Griffiths, CEO of WMI CRC.

The CTM CRC team is using biomaterials to develop novel cell delivery devices for the treatment of chronic wounds. Prototype devices will be

assessed in patients with chronic wounds and WMI CRC and CTM CRC will work together to access wound clinics and skilled practitioners to deliver these novel treatments to patients suffering from these debilitating wounds.

Combined, the two CRCs are in a strong position to deliver value and impact to patients.

“We are well positioned to work collaboratively with the WMI CRC... Access to further clinical and patient networks through the WMI CRC will be beneficial as we progress towards clinical trials.”Dr Sherry Kothari, CTM CRC

The CRCs will also work together to provide essential industry training, up-skilling and networking opportunities to higher degree research students.

CTM CRC has pioneered an entrepreneurial PhD (ePhD) program in which WMI CRC students will be able to enrol and participate. Both CRCs are committed to creating industry-ready graduates who will benefit from these educational activities.

Dr Monica Kerr, Education Program Manager at CTM CRC, reflected on the versatility of the ePhD Program, “The ePhD Program exposes PhD students to a broader perspective of scientific research and equips them with transferrable and technical skills to be competitive in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. Students will be able to take advantage of this training to advance their own careers.”

CTM CRC & WMI COLLABORATIONCTM CRC & Wound CRC collaborate to transform wound outcomes

highlights

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Page |13

Minister for Health and Health Industries, the Hon Jack Snelling, opening the event

Left to Right: Prof Rob Short, Dr Chockalingam Palaniappan, Ms Margaret Harrigan, Dr Leanna Read, Prof John Rasko AO during the panel discussion

30 October 2014 marked the first CTM CRC ImpaCT Day - ‘Affordable Cell Therapies

- FACT or FICTION?’. Held at SAHMRI, the day attracted just over 100 people and included presentations and discussion by CTM CRC researchers, followed by an evening session of presentations to national industry, government and academic representatives.

The evening session was opened by the Hon Jack Snelling, Minister for Health and Health Industries, who set the scene outlining the current climate for cell therapy research.

Dr Chockalingam Palaniappan, Senior Vice President at Terumo BCT, delivered a keynote address that highlighted Terumo’s contribution to cell therapy and detailed how Terumo’s collaboration with CTM

CRC addresses the issue of affordability for cell therapies.

“We have created an opportunity for cross-pollination. This partnership between Terumo BCT and CTM CRC will speed up the process of making cell therapies more affordable.”Dr Chockalingam Palaniappan, Terumo BCT

The highlight of the evening occurred during a vibrant panel discussion led by Professor Ian Olver, CEO of the Cancer Council Australia. During the discussion, the audience witnessed a lively

debate by world-renowned professionals in the cell therapy field as they discussed the industry’s current challenges, predicted the next ‘star’ therapy and speculated on the market price for the next cell therapy - to which the audience heard a range between $100 and $250,000. Which is closer to the mark? We’ll have to wait and see.

MAKING AN IMPACTAffordable cell therapies - FACT or FICTION?

Page 14: ICT · University of South Australia University of Sydney Women’s and Children’s Health Network Inc. South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) Ltd Registered

CTM CRC has unveiled its new Entrepreneurial PhD (ePhD) Program, which incorporates industry-relevant education into traditional

PhD studies. The ePhD Program will support Australia’s expanding biomedical and cell therapy industries.

“The CRC recognises the importance of education as a key contributor to future economic growth and sustainability,” said CEO, Dr Sherry Kothari.

“Through the ePhD Program, the CRC will train a new generation of industry-ready PhD students who will foster the development and growth of an emerging industry in Australia,” she said.

Success in cell therapies, their new treatments and commercial viability relies on specialised skills, an appreciation of manufacturing and regulatory challenges and an entrepreneurial mindset. With input from specialists and industry partners, the ePhD Program will deliver tailored modules that address these essential elements to ensure the steady supply of an industry-ready workforce.

“The Program will help to unlock a range of possible career paths in the biomedical and supporting industries and provide a competitive edge to graduates when seeking employment.”Dr Monica Kerr, CTM CRC

Graduates from the ePhD Program will be equipped to drive the translation and commercialisation of research into new products and therapies or launch their own entrepreneurial ventures. Students will participate in four in-residence training segments, followed by a capstone project to be undertaken in the final year.

Education Program Manager, Dr Monica Kerr, said the ePhD Program is a unique and exciting professional development initiative for PhD students.

14| CTM CRC ImpaCT

INDUSTRY-READY EDUCATIONePhD Program launched

highlights

Page 15: ICT · University of South Australia University of Sydney Women’s and Children’s Health Network Inc. South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) Ltd Registered

“Students acquire highly-specialised research skills, technical knowledge, and extensive academic experience through traditional PhD studies, however, this does not necessarily translate into the transferable skills and broader capabilities that employers are looking for from graduates.”

The ePhD Program will bridge this gap by directly addressing the core knowledge and skill areas consistently identified as lacking in PhD graduates when entering the workforce. These include topics on: how to be a team player, effective communication of work for different audiences, knowledge of basic business concepts such as leadership, project management and finance, how to be creative and entrepreneurial, and how to successfully manage a career.

“The Program will help to unlock a range of possible career paths in the biomedical and supporting industries and provide a competitive edge to our graduates when seeking employment,” Dr Kerr said.

Scholarships, which are co-sponsored by the Playford Memorial Trust Inc., were awarded to exceptional students to pursue their PhD studies with the CRC. Chairman of the Playford Memorial Trust, Hon Dean Brown AO spoke of the importance of education in the State’s future.

“The Playford Trust promotes the development of young South Australians in key areas of importance to the State. Helping students pursue their training with the CRC will create the skilled personnel required to establish a cell therapy base in South Australia.”Hon Dean Brown, Playford Memorial Trust

Page |15

Cell Therapy Manufacturing

Cooperative Research Centre

EditorNatalie WatkinsMarketing & Communications

T +61 8 8302 3917E [email protected]

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Cell Therapy Manufacturing

Cooperative Research Centre

Level 5 Catherine Helen Spence Building UniSA, City West CampusADELAIDE, South Australia AUSTRALIA 5000

T +61 8 8302 3503

EditorNatalie WatkinsMarketing & Communications

T +61 8 8302 [email protected] ct

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