DCTD Seeking Project Proposals for Viral Vector and Cell Therapy Production at NCI

DCTD is currently seeking project proposals from intramural and extramural investigators in need of clinical grade vector and/or cell therapy product manufacturing.

Building upon its initial efforts to support the production of CAR-T cells for clinical studies, the NCI Biopharmaceutical Development Program (BDP) at Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR) is expanding its capabilities to also offer viral vector production. Beginning in early 2021, the BDP will have the capability to manufacture lentiviral and retroviral vectors for the genetic modification step in cell therapy production. These viral vector production projects are expected to take 9-13 months from initiation to final testing and product release.

BDP manufacturing support is offered through the NCI Experimental Therapeutics (NExT) Program.

Investigators seeking production of clinical grade vector and/or cell therapy products can submit proposals to the NExT Program. Applications are accepted three times per year (February, June, and October).

Timeline of BDP Cell Therapy Production Capabilities