Manufacturing
The University of Antwerp (UA) and the University Hospital of Antwerp (UZA) jointly established the Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine (CCRG), the first hospital-based GMP facility in Belgium approved by the Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products (FAMHP) for the production of cell-based therapies. Since administering its first locally manufactured therapy in 2005, CCRG—together with its spin-off anicells, founded in 2018—has grown into Belgium’s leading GMP-compliant platform for cell-based therapy production. The regional ecosystem is further reinforced by Etherna, which operates a cGMP-accredited RNA production facility, strengthening integrated capabilities in advanced therapy development and manufacturing.
anicells is a GMP-certified cell and gene therapy accelerator that de-risks and streamlines the path from innovation to patient for advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs). With deep academic roots and strong clinical integration, anicells bridges research and clinical application by providing integrated manufacturing, quality, and regulatory expertise.
Operating a state-of-the-art GMP facility spanning over 350 m² with four Class B, one Class C, and one Class D cleanroom, the team supports flexible, scalable, and automated production of ATMPs. Since receiving Manufacturing Authorization (MIA) in May 2020, anicells has produced over 120 clinical batches (autologous and allogeneic) across multiple indications, supporting 9 clinical trials. Its multidisciplinary experts manage end-to-end processes, from process development and technology transfer to quality control, regulatory compliance, and QP release, ensuring robust, clinical-grade manufacturing for advanced cellular therapies.
Etherna is an RNA technology company with decades of expertise, offering strategic partnerships to pharmaceutical and biotech companies advancing RNA therapeutics. Its GMP-certified RNA manufacturing platform accelerates the development and clinical translation of cutting-edge RNA therapies, while a dedicated team supports start-up, early-stage, and late-stage projects. Leveraging proprietary platforms in RNA chemistry, lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation, and process technology, Etherna drives new pipeline development and overcomes complex manufacturing challenges for its partners.
With deep expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and specialized equipment, Etherna delivers efficient solutions for the most demanding RNA development and manufacturing projects.