Major Initiative to Enhance ATMP-expertise in Western Sweden

[caption id="attachment_11548" align="alignleft" width="200"] Jenny Nyström - Dean, Sahlgrenska Akademin [/caption] [caption id="attachment_11547" align="alignleft" width="200"] Fredrik Wessberg - CEO, CCRM Nordic[/caption]                 The initiative, jointly funded by the Västra Götaland Region and the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth (Tillväxtverket), will channel over 16 million SEK into advancing skills and knowledge in the ATMP field over the coming years. From the University of Gothenburg, both the Sahlgrenska Academy and the Faculty of Science and Engineering are active contributors. Professor Jenny Nyström, Dean of the Sahlgrenska Academy, emphasizes the academy’s pivotal role in strengthening ATMP-related skills among healthcare professionals such as physicians, nurses, biomedical analysts, and pharmacists. “By focusing on advanced education and interdisciplinary skill development, we are equipping professionals to address future challenges while driving innovation and quality in this exciting field,” says Nyström.

Broad Collaboration with Strategic Partners

In addition to the University of Gothenburg, the initiative involves several other prominent organizations, including CCRM Nordic, Chalmers University of Technology, Sahlgrenska Science Park, and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, along with its Sahlgrenska ATMP Center. A critical partner in this initiative is CCRM Nordic, a nonprofit organization that contributes to Västra Götaland Region's strategy to advance the ATMP ecosystem in Western Sweden. “This project significantly enhances our efforts in ATMP-related skill development,” says Fredrik Wessberg, CEO of CCRM Nordic. “It aligns perfectly with CCRM Nordic’s mission to support and strengthen the ecosystem and ensure we are prepared for future needs.”

Key Focus Areas

The project aims to foster collaboration and build expertise by uniting industry, academia, and healthcare. Some of the key objectives include:

• Shared infrastructure for research and development
• Internship opportunities and research networks
• Methods and tools to support both research and clinical applications in ATMPs

Additionally, the project will develop a digital platform to provide companies and other stakeholders with up-to-date ATMP knowledge, including training modules and expert resources.

Advancing Competence in Advanced Therapies

ATMPs encompass cell and gene therapies as well as tissue-engineered products. These therapies hold the potential to revolutionize the treatment of previously incurable diseases. The project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (via Tillväxtverket) and Västra Götaland Region (through the Environmental and Regional Development Committee). It will run for three years. This initiative aligns with Sweden’s national life sciences strategy, which emphasizes the importance of developing key competencies to strengthen and maintain the country’s position as a global leader in life sciences. Original Article here.