We are thrilled to announce our participation in the GeneH consortium, an ambitious project led by the University of Coimbra, and their GeneT project, colead by the Kemijski Inštitut with the CTGCT project, aimed at accelerating the treatment of genetic diseases through gene therapy. With nearly €5 million in funding, this initiative promises to revolutionize the way we approach and treat genetic disorders.
GeneH, or the Excellence Hub for Advancing Innovation in Gene Therapy, seeks to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and clinical application. By fostering close collaborations between academia, industry, government, and society, GeneH aims to overcome the barriers that currently hinder the translation of innovative therapies for rare diseases into practical treatments.
Our Role in the Consortium
As a key partner in the GeneH consortium, CTGCT is committed to ensuring that our collective efforts lead to tangible benefits for patients suffering from rare genetic diseases. Our focus will be on enhancing the interaction between academia and industry, facilitating technology transfer, and advocating for regulatory and policy support to expedite the approval and funding processes.
The GeneH consortium brings together 13 partners from Portugal and Slovenia, including academic and research institutions (University of Coimbra, Kemijski Inštitut), government agencies (RRA LUR, CCDR, ULS Coimbra) industry/innovation(Jafral, BluePharma, BioSistemika, IPN, SIS EGIZ), and civil society ( APAHE, ZOPS). This diverse group will work together to strengthen international collaboration and foster synergies that drive innovation and clinical trials forward.
The Path Forward
The kick-off meeting for GeneH was held on March 21st at the Science Museum of the University of Coimbra, marking the beginning of this exciting journey It featured speakers such as Luís Pereira de Almeida, the GeneH coordinator, and Mojca Bencina, the Head of the CTGCT, Mojca Nemec Van Gorp, Slovenian ambassador to Portugal, Fernando Alexandre, Minister of Education, Science and Innovation of Potugal, among many other interesting talks. The event highlighted the importance of the quadruple helix model for research, development, and clinical translation, with insights from industry leaders and policymakers.
Despite significant scientific advances in gene therapy, several challenges remain. Clinical trials are limited due to regulatory complexity, lack of specialized infrastructure, and insufficient funding. GeneH aims to address these issues by promoting collaboration and investing in specialized training for researchers and health professionals.
This consortium is crucial for strengthening Europe’s position as a global leader in gene therapy. By expanding the network across both countries and fostering international collaboration, GeneH will accelerate innovation and clinical trials, ensuring that patients’ needs are heard and addressed.
We are proud to be part of this great initiative and look forward to contributing to its success. Stay tuned for updates on our progress and the impact of GeneH on the future of gene therapy.
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