MGA Technologies is involved in building the European PIIEC Med4Cure project “The Drug Cell”

MGA Technologies is proud to announce its participation in a Med4Cure “The Drug Cell” project, an initiative supported by the European Commission as part of the first Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) in health. This ambitious project aims to build a sovereign industrial cell therapy sector which is essential for the future of regenerative medicine, new therapies in personalized medicine and immunotherapy in Europe.

A new and ambitious project as part of the “super project” for health: Med4Cure

Med4Cure’s “The Drug Cell” project is a new and highly ambitious project which forms part of the overall “super project” for health established by the EU. As such, “The Drug Cell” is an innovative project that covers the entire bioproduction value chain, from research to clinical trials, from raw materials to automation. It includes the creation of a 4.0, modular and connected production factory, specially designed for the development and production of drug cells. Coordinated by the French Blood Establishment (EFS), this project brings together nine main partners, including MGA Technologies, and multiple research and industry players, both in France and in Europe.

“The Drug Cell” is part of an even larger project entitled Med4Cure. This “super project” aims to accelerate medical advances and strengthen the resilience of the EU health industry. By improving drug discovery, particularly for rare diseases and other unmet medical needs, and developing innovative and sustainable production processes, the project aims to transform the quality of healthcare. It is hoped that these innovations will allow the EU to better prepare for new health threats while also contributing to ecological transition.

Press release – European Commission – 28 May 2024

Member states will invest up to €1 billion in public funds, which is expected to stimulate €5.9 billion worth of private investment. The IPCEI will mobilize 13 companies operating in one or more Member States, including nine small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to carry out 14 highly innovative projects.

The IPCEI Med4Cure superproject is expected to be fully completed by 2036, with deadlines varying depending on the projects and companies involved. Around 6,000 direct and indirect jobs are expected to be created, demonstrating the significant impact of this initiative on the job market and the European economy.

Press release – European Commission – 28 May 2024

The objectives of “The Drug Cell” project

The project aims to remove technical and biological obstacles to the development and industrialization of innovative treatments, mainly in the fields of regenerative medicine, new therapies in personalized medicine and immunotherapy. It aims to develop therapies capable of treating serious or incurable diseases, such as certain cancers (breast cancer, blood diseases), rare diseases (severe vitiligo) and common pathologies (osteoarthritis, strokes).

A strong commitment to technological innovation

Hervé de Malliard, president of MGA Technologies, underlines the importance of this project, stating “This meeting of stakeholders makes it possible to both minimize the risk of developing therapeutic applications by pooling industrial resources, and to control the costs of clinical batches, the developments of their production processes and their industrialization, thanks to new mechatronic and digital technologies. New automated and connected equipment will be developed with the aim of providing and promoting better health for all.”

Next steps

The incorporation of “The Drug Cell” joint venture will take place in September 2024, with the signing of the support contract by the State and the European Commission within the framework of the IPCEI Med4Cure superproject. The governance of the program is in the process of being established, with Sergio Manzana, current executive director of GPI France, to serve as president.

At the forefront of technological innovation in the health of the future, MGA Technologies is determined to play a crucial role in this great project, by contributing to the development of advanced industrial tools and intelligent instruments and by promoting closer European collaboration for an innovative medical future accessible to all.

About our partners

Nine expert partners in the development of new biomedicines and bioproduction are to be grouped together within the future joint venture:

• The French Blood Service (EFS)
• I-Stem, Center for the Study of Stem Cells (CECS)
• GPI France
• Carroucell
• EVerZom
• MGA Technologies
• University of Montpellier
• Montpellier University Hospital
• Rennes University Hospital

Press release – EFS – 7 June 2024