TrakCel, a developer of stem cell logistics and orchestration solutions, has announced it will commence trials with leading international pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline in early 2014.
Benefiting from an initial £100,000 from the Welsh Government SMART Cymru award for Research Development and Innovation, TrakCel has been able to swiftly develop demonstrable initial technology and present it to key players in the industry including GlaxoSmithKline.
A joint venture between Bridgend-based Biotec Services International and AwenID, a technology spin-out company from Swansea University, TrakCel enables physicians to track the movements and temperatures of cell-based therapies. This ensures the cells have the best opportunity of being successfully received by patients, which is particularly crucial given that outside of the body, stem cells have an extremely short life span and are sensitive to temperature.
Biotec’s funding for the joint venture has been validated through its share of a UK government Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative (AMSCI) award which the company won in September 2013.
Karen Winmill, Chairman of TrakCel and CEO of Biotec Services International, said: “We wouldn’t have been able to develop the technology as quickly as we have been able to and present it to key players in the marketplace without the funding and support we have received from the Welsh Government.
TrakCel’s success to date can be directly linked to the Welsh Government’s commitment to the life sciences industry.
“With the existing presence of GE Healthcare and the recent relocation announcement of ReNeuron, Wales is increasingly becoming an important international player in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry.”
In 2013 the Welsh Government has continued its support of the biotech sector through establishing links with Sweden’s Medicon Village, and announcing funding to establish a research centre at Aberystwyth University, amongst other initiatives.
“Wales continues to make significant strides in the biotechnology sector and we’re committed to further strengthening our position as a world-leader in this 21st century industry.” said Edwina Hart, Minister for Economy, Science and Transport “Through collaboration with distinguished partners who also have global business aspirations, TrakCel is now well poised to help create advancements in supply chain management.”