Development of an automated manufacturing pipeline for genome-edited mammalian cells

The aim of this project is to establish new and innovative approaches for the manufacture of high-value, genome-edited cell lines used in bio-medical research. Genome editing is rapidly becoming an essential tool in all segments of life sciences R&D, from basic research to drug discovery and diagnostics, therapeutics (incl. regenerative medicine), synthetic biology, bio-manufacturing, environmental sciences, AgriTech and food manufacturing. Like DNA sequencing, it is widely expected that genome editing will lead to major changes in multiple industry sectors and result in disruption of global supply chains at multiple levels. This project aims to catalyse this process. The project will harness innovative gene editing technology and automation in cell handling, together with highly parallel, high capacity and data-dense analytical approaches to create a manufacturing platform that enables greater throughput cell creation with integrated cell analysis and characterization capability. This will provide Horizon not only the ability to offer more products at a market-disrupting price, but also at a quality level that comprehensively drives the market towards buying Horizon’s products and away from ‘DIY’. These elements will also combine to establish Horizon as the ‘go-to’ partner for strategic relationships with biopharma companies for the provision of larger scale solutions.