GeneH
Excellence Hub for Advancing Innovation in Gene Therapy
Challenge
GeneH aims to establish a centre of excellence in gene therapy by forming strategic alliances both inside and outside of expanding nations. From conception to commercialisation, gene therapy faces obstacles in its development process, despite its acknowledged importance in genomic medicine and its potential for significant economic effect. In order to overcome these obstacles and hasten the translation of research, GeneH plans to act as a catalyst. To do this, GeneH will create a strong and long-lasting hub that expands on recent H2020 WIDENING initiatives to develop centres of excellence in gene therapy (GeneT in PT and CTGCT in SL) and already-existing ecosystems in the field.
Solution
Project objectives:
1. Promoting Interdisciplinary Collaboration between academia, industry, public authorities, and society to
ensure a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to gene therapy development.
2. Foster R&D and Technological Innovation, enhancing collaboration by enhancing collaboration between
academia and industry to facilitate bidirectional knowledge transfer, drive technological and manufacturing
innovation, optimize gene therapy product scalability, and implement market-driven strategies for commercial
viability.
3. Supporting Clinical Investigation and Translation, engaging closely with clinical bodies and ensuring the
safe and efficient translation of gene therapy innovations into effective treatments.
4. Bridge the Research, Manufacturing, and Clinical gap between researchers, manufacturers, and clinics to
accelerate the availability of gene therapy to patients.
5. Establishing mechanisms for regulatory compliance, ethical oversight, and the development of supportive
policy frameworks for responsible gene therapy development.
6. Developing and implementing educational and training programs to equip researchers (including master’s,
PhD and postdoctoral researchers), entrepreneurs, and clinicians with essential and/or advanced competencies
in gene therapy R&I domains, fostering expertise development within the field and continuous knowledge
dissemination.
7. Engaging patient organizations and citizens in the gene therapy development process, fostering
transparency, addressing public concerns, and aligning research with societal values.
8. Securing Funding and Investment for sustainability, by increasing attractiveness for
international/venture/private investment.
9. Retaining knowhow and Intellectual Property (IP) in Portugal, Slovenia, and Europe, fostering economic
recovery and sustainable growth.
10. Transforming Portugal and Slovenia into Attractive Poles for Talent.
Objectives, Activities and Results expected / achieved
Expected objectives:
1. 3 innovations programs (1 per year);
2. 400 h of mentoring and support (> 120 h per year).
Project Reference
Grant Agreement No 101186939Funding
Intervention Region
EuropeTotal Investment
4.885.375,00IPN Investment
253.375,00Total Eligible
4.885.375,00IPN Eligible
253.375,00EC Funding – Total
4.885.375,00EC Funding – IPN
253.375,00Duration
48 MonthsStart Date
2025-01-01End Date
2028-12-31Approval Date
2025-01-01Consortium
Universidade de CoimbraKemijski Institut
Zveza Organizacij Pacientov Ter Uporabnicov Zdravstevnih in Socialno Varstvenih Storitev Slovenije
Slovensko Inovacijsko Sticisceevropsko Gospodarsko Interesnozdruzenje
Biosistemika, Raziskave in Razvoj Doo
Regionalna Razvojna Agencija - Ljubljanske Urbane Regije Zavod - RRA Lurregional Development Agency of Theljubljana Urban Region Rda Lur
Jafral, Biotechnology Research and Development
Comissão de Coordenação e Desenvolvimento Regional do Centro
Associação Portuguesa de Ataxias Hereditarias
BLUEPHARMA - Industria Farmacêutica
Instituto Pedro Nunes
BIOCANT - Associação de Transferência de Technologia
Unidade Local de Saúde de Coimbra EPE
Keywords
Gene therapy;Cell therapy;
Personalised medicine;
Health care research.
