1. science
2. medicine
3. surgery
4. transplants

REGENERATIVE
MEDICINE
illustration © UCL
Expertise, Resources
and Innovation Capacities
of BioWin Members
BIOWIN
MAKING SCIENCE
AND BUSINESS
PARTNERSHIPS
A SUCCESS
A HISTORY OF EXCELLENCE
A WEALTH AND DIVERSITY OF ACTORS
BioWin is one of Wallonia’s 6 competitiveness clusters, implemented in 2006 as part of the region’s overall Marshall Plan
to develop Wallonia as a centre able to bring innovation to the
market. BioWin is the Health Cluster of Wallonia, federating
some 510 regional actors, large and small, and focussed on
four strategic axes – Open Innovation; Talent and Expertise;
Technological Platforms and International Partnerships.
In all, the member companies of BioWin generate over 3.4 billion
euros in annual revenues, and employ over 12,500 people from
all over the world. Its companies range from global market
leaders to highly specialised SMEs for whom the BioWin cluster
is fertile ground for advanced research and development. On
the academic side, three academic institutes, involving no less
than five universities, include the Université Catholique de
Louvain (UCL), the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) and the
University of Liège (ULg) as well as their public medical facilities. Prestigious research institutes are also in place to partner
with industry. Between them, these universities and research
institutes employ over 11,000 researchers and bring funding,
clinical trials facilities and a wealth of highly trained and specialised human resources.
BioWin’s strategy of federating regional actors is based on
the recent and successful history of collaborations between
industry, academia and the region. Industry leaders such
as GSK Vaccines, UCB and IBA have all grown out of the local
scientific and industrial scene, while Baxter has been present
in Wallonia for more than 30 years. The region and its academic
institutes and research centres have developed synergies
with these and other companies over the years, and this has
led to the positioning of Wallonia as a centre of health sciences
excellence, attracting talents, business and investment as it
continues to grow.
HEALTH’S INNOVATION VALLEY
The Health Cluster of Wallonia boasts over 100 health science
companies and a high concentration of universities, medical
facilities and research institutes, and is a veritable hub of health
sciences innovation and development in Europe. BioWin’s worldwide reputation as an environment where science and business
go hand in hand is cemented by the region, whose support and
investment have enabled BioWin members become European
leaders in specific health domains with a growing international
reputation: Biopharmacy, Radiopharmacy, Diagnostics, Biotech
products, Medical Devices and Equipments.
ADDED-VALUE PARTNERSHIPS
The region’s successful partnering of industry with research
and academic facilities has created a value chain that allows
new products and techniques to be generated, developed
and brought to global markets. For example, Belgium has
the world’s highest proportion per capita of clinical trials, has
the fastest approval time for phase 1 clinical trials in Europe
(within 14 days), thanks to the country’s favourable regulatory environment.
Supporting this ambitious development initiative is a multilevel approach to funding: public university funding, European
institutional funding, private funding and Walloon regional
funding all combine to ensure that the healthcare innovations
developed in Wallonia are extended to a world market.
REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
AND THE VALUE CHAIN
HOW GENERATING SYNERGIES CREATES MEDICAL INNOVATIONS
The density and quality of health science actors in the region has created a ‘value chain’ that stimulates
innovation and excellence, and allows the region to develop unique and highly specialised capacities in
new health science areas. Regenerative medicine is one such area, here led by an industry group made up
of 7 research and development companies, 3 of which are in Phase II and III trials. These are Promethera
BioSciences, Bone Therapeutics and Cardio 3 BioSciences – specialised in liver, bone and heart cell
regeneration technology respectively. These companies and the synergies created with the neighbouring
academic and research centres as well as support groups in the BioWin value chain, place the region at the
forefront of research and development in a field whose importance cannot be underestimated.
HOW THE VALUE CHAIN WORKS
BioWin contains a critical mass of specialists capable of developing regenerative medicine, which include research excellence
centres, clinical expertise centres, biobanks and tissue banks
on the academic and research side, and cell therapy companies as well as CROs and CMOs on the industry side. On top of
that, this value chain is completely integrated thanks to cultural
and geographical proximities that foster partnerships between
different expertises. This makes Wallonia a place to be for innovation. The many available university hospitals make translational
research more effective through close connections between
research laboratories and clinicians that facilitate the back and
forth process of this approach. Moreover, clinical expertise
centres have technological capacities and know-how to conduct
1st in men studies, which is of real added value to achieve proof
of concept for new regenerative medicine products.
GENERATING OPTIMUM SYNERGIES
Thus, the value chain creates the optimum conditions to bring
new products to a market that is in constant need of health innovations. Wallonia – as substantial investor in R&D, as provider of
know-how and as regional development agency – is a strong
supporter of this emerging sector.
BioWin’s role therefore is essentially based on its
four strategic axes:
• Supporting open innovation between members by helping in
the formation of consortia via networking activities as well as
ensuring good governance practices in the funded projects.
• Providing training and expertise (such as BioCell) to develop
both business and industry capacities, building bridges
between the two as well as meeting the recruitment expectations of the Health sector in Wallonia.
• Creating shared technology and innovation platforms (such
as MaSTherCell) aimed at manufacturing new products, treatments, innovative process or services to the market.
• Pursuing international opportunities, both in terms of partnerships and product/expertise exports, in collaboration with
the Wallonia Export and Investment Agency (AWEX).
REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
A EUROPEAN INNOVATION PRIORITY
BioWin is also a member of initiatives such as TERM (Tissue
Engineering and Regenerative Medicine), a Europe-wide project
supported by the EU’s DG Research and aimed at developing
a culture of applied innovation and partnership across seven
EU regions containing 13 centres of excellence in the field of
regenerative medicine. Regenerative medicine is an ‘innovation priority’ in meeting the medical, societal and economic
challenges of a rapidly ageing European population, as well as
being a key development area in preventive medicine. With its
main aim to switch the medical focus from treatment to cure,
regenerative medicine is an area that holds great promise
both in terms of improving people’s long-term health, and of
balancing the costs of treatment. For BioWin it is also an important economic opportunity, providing scope for development as
a key scientific and industrial innovator in a field which importance is set to increase exponentially.
REGENERATIVE MEDICINE IN WALLONIA
FROM BENCH TO MARKET
ACADEMIC /
CLINICAL OUTPUTS
Bone
Cartilage
ACADEMIC
EXCELLENCE
IN RESEARCH
CENTRES
Pancreas
Marrow
Proof of Concept
(in vitro & in vivo)
and patents.
Brain
Skin
Liver
Heart
CLINICAL
ACADEMIC
EXCELLENCE
UCL, ULB, ULg
UMons,
UNIVERSITE
DE NAMUR
CLINICAL
EXPERTISE CENTRES
BIOBANKS AND
TISSUES BANKS
FIRST IN PATIENTS
PRIVATE / PUBLIC
INNOVATION
PARTNERSHIPS
TRANSLATIONAL
RESEARCH
BioWin
Cell Therapy Companies
INDUSTRIAL
EXCELLENCE
BIG BIOPHARMACEUTICALS
SME's
Pre-Clinical
study & model
Contract
Research
Organisations
Production
(clinical
batches)
Clinical
Trials
Services
Providers
Clinical
study
Production
(commercial
batches)
Contract
Manufacturing
Organisations
INDUSTRIAL
OUTPUTS
• Logistics
• Quality Assessment
• Quality Control
• Regulatory Affairs
Cell Therapy
Products
Bone
Liver
Heart
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN…
Table of contents
COMPANIES
info sheet
info sheet
Bone Therapeutics
Masthercell
Cardio3 Biosciences
Promethera Biosciences
KitoZyme
Synolyne
Lonza
LABORATORIES
info sheet
info sheet
UCL - Cardiovascular Research
ULB - Laboratory of Bone Biochemistry and Metabolism
Rheumatology and Physical Medicine Dept
UCL - CRIBIO
ULB - Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy
UCL - Endocrine Cell Therapy Unit (1)
GIGA Tech Platforms
UCL - Endocrine Cell Therapy Unit (2)
ULg - Biomechanics Research Unit
UCL - Experimental Surgery Laboratory
ULg - Bone and Cartilage Research Unit
UCL - Genetics
ULg - Centre Interfacultaire des Biomatériaux
UCL - Gynaecology
ULg - Genetics (CHU Liège)
UCL - Hematopoiesis
Unilab Lg - Hematology
UCL - Hepato-gastroenterology Liver
& Pancreas Development
ULg - Hematology Unit of the GIGA Research Institute
UCL - Imaging
ULg - Laboratory of Cell and Gene Therapy (CHU)
UCL - Neuropharmacology and Neurodifferentiation
ULg - Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis,
GIGA Research Institute
UCL - Pediatric Hepatology and Liver Cell Therapy
ULg - Laboratory of Experimental Pathology
UCL - Spinal Cord and Dental Regeneration
UMons - CIRMAP
ULB - IRIBHM (1)
UMons - Human Biology & Toxicology Laboratory
ULB - IRIBHM (2)
University of Namur (FUNDP) - Research Unit in Cell Biology
ORGANISATIONS
info sheet
PLATFORMS
Biopark Formation
CMMI
LIEU
sCINNAMIC - Centre for Innovation in Medicine (CIM)
info sheet
ORGANISATION
Promethera Biosciences
MasTherCell
Phase II
2013
Lonza
2013
PAGE
PRODUCTION OF
COMMERCIAL BATCH
PRODUCTION OF
CLINICAL BATCH
INDUSTRIAL (PRE)CLINICAL
DEVELOPMENT
EXPLORATORY (PRE)
CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT
BASIC / APPLIED RESEARCH
COMPANIES
Summary table
Bone Therapeutics
Phase
III
3
Cardio3 BioSciences
Phase
III
4
5
6
7
COMPANIES
REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
COMPANY
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN…
Bone Therapeutics
Stem
cells
Bone
&
Joint
Heart Failure
Cell(HF)
Therapy
Osteoarticular
diseases
Osteonecrosis
Non-union
fractures Maxillofacial
Allogeneic
Autologous
Headquartered at the Biopôle of Gosselies (South of Brussels, Belgium), Bone Therapeutics is a
leading international biotechnology company specialized in the treatment of osteo-articular diseases using cell therapy. The Company’s strategic position in skeletal tissue repair and regeneration is supported by an outstanding knowledge of the bone physiology and pathophysiology
in major diseases as well as in niche indications, the pioneering works of its founders in stem
cell transplantation in humans and a long-standing expertise in cell therapy clinical trials and regulatory affairs. The Company combines the expertise of a « minipharma » with the flexibility of
a SME and covers: pharmaceutical R&D (in vitro & in vivo pharmacology), production, clinical
development and regulatory affairs.
PRODUCTS
Bone Therapeutics develops innovative cell products for the repair and regeneration
of bone and joint tissues in various indications. The Company’s technology platforms,
developed over more than 10 years of extensive basic research, enable adult stem cell
isolation, expansion and differentiation. The Company’s products (autologous & allogeneic) are expected to have a number of significant commercial and medical/technical
advantages. The Company has worldwide exclusive rights for a series of patents and
technologies related to osteogenic differentiation of stem cells, identification and tools
for implantation. Based on the promising results of phase I/II clinical studies, the Company’s lead product, PREOB®, is currently in 2 phase III pivotal trials in Europe (treatment
of osteonecrosis and non-union fractures).
TARGETED MARKET
Bone disease market is one of the largest healthcare markets worldwide. In the bone reconstruction segment, there are annually in Europe & USA over 4 million procedures requiring
bone grafts. The non-union fracture market together with spine fusion markets are worth 2.5
billion USD annually. Cell therapy should apply to up to half of the total bone graft market, for
a potential of 2 million (orthopaedic and maxillofacial) annual procedures. The Company is
best positioned in applications such as delayed union, non-union fractures, large bone defects and other orphan bone diseases, because of its product, expertise & patient access.
PARTNERSHIPS/COLLABORATIONS
Bone Therapeutics has several research collaborations with industrial and academic
partners (supported by Wallonia Region): ULB (Belgium) (Department of Rheumatology
- Hôpital Erasme - Prof. Gangji ; Laboratoire de Pharmacie Galénique et de Biopharmacie
- Prof. Amighi) ; ULg (Belgium) (Department of Rheumatology - CHU Sart-Tilman - Prof.
Malaise ; GIGA-R - Immunology and Infectious Diseases Unit - Prof. Moutschen)
KEY FIGURES
Staff: 37 employees (+11 in direct collaboration)
2 Orphan Drug Designations, 7 own and 6 in-licensed Patents, 2 Trademarks
Capital & Fundraising: 17.254.320 EUR
Development stage: 2 Phase III trials ongoing
Bone Therapeutics s.a./n.v. | Rue Adrienne Bolland 8 | 6041 Gosselies | Belgium | www.bonetherapeutics.com
Enrico Bastianelli | Chief Executive Officer | T. +32 (0)2 529 59 90 | F. +32 (0)2 529 59 93
[email protected]
2
COMPANY
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN…
CARDIO3 BIOSCIENCES
Cardio3 BioSciences is a Belgian leading biotechnology company focused on the discovery
and development of regenerative and protective therapies for the treatment of cardiac diseases. The company was founded in 2007 and is based in the Walloon region of Belgium.
Cardio3 BioSciences leverages research collaborations in the US and in Europe with Mayo
Clinic and the Cardiovascular Center Aalst, Belgium.
Stem Cells
cells
Heart Failure
(HF)
Acute Myocardial
Infarction (AMI)
PRODUCTS
The Company’s lead product candidate C3BS-CQR-1 is an innovative pharmaceutical product that is being developed for HF indication. It consists of a patient’s own cells that are
harvested from the patient’s bone marrow and engineered to become new heart muscle
cells that behave identically to those lost to heart disease. Other research programs and
product candidates targeting HF and AMI are in development, based on the breakthrough
Cardiopoiesis technology platform.The company has also developed C-Cath®ez, the most
technologically injection catheter with superior efficiency of delivery of bio therapeutic
agents into the myocardium.
TARGETED MARKET
Heart Failure and Acute Myocardial Infarction – Worldwide Cardio3 BioSciences estimates that, out of a world population of 5.2 billion people in the regions traditionally
targeted by pharmaceutical and medical device companies, 117 million people are suffering from HF worldwide, and that this number is believed to double by 2020 as the
incidence is rising for a variety of reasons including lifestyle factors and the increasing
life expectancy of patients
PARTNERSHIP/COLLABORATION
Cardio3 BioSciences enjoys academic and clinical collaborations with Mayo Clinic, USA
and the Cardiovascular Center, Aalst, Belgium.The company has entered industrial collaborations with ATMI and Creganna
KEY FIGURES
• Founded in 2007
• 54 people
• 46 mio € funding
Cardio3BioSciences | 12 rue Edouard Belin | 1435 Mont-Saint-Guibert | Belgium | [email protected] / www.c3bs.com
Anne Portzenheim | Communication Manager | +32 (0)10 39 41 00 | +32 (0)10 39 41 41 | [email protected]
3
COMPANY
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN…
LONZA
Lonza offers world class technology platforms in the area of GMP cell culture and viralbased therapeutic manufacturing, custom therapeutic culture media, as well as full line of
custom bioassays. Our extensive experience in cell and gene therapy process optimization and scale up innovation helps clients to safely and effectively advance their products
through all phases of the commercial pipeline and maximize their return on investment.
Scale Up
Stem
cells
Scale Out
HeartDevelopment
Failure
Process
(HF)
GMP Compliance
Cell Therapy
Viral Therapy
Allogeneic
Autologous
PRODUCTS
• Service Offerings:
• Product Development
• Cell Therapy Manufacturing
• Viral Therapy Manufacturing
• Clinical-Grade iPSCs and Derived Cell Types
• Custom Therapeutic Media
• Testing Solutions
• Tissue Acquisition
TARGETED MARKET
• Cell Therapy Developers
• Viral Therapy Developers
• Biotechnology
• Biopharmaceuticals
PARTNERSHIP/COLLABORATIONS
With established production capacities in North America, Asia and Europe, Lonza has
established local and global collaborations with Biotech and major Biopharmaceutical
companies active in the field of Regenerative Medicine.
KEY FIGURES
In 2011, Lonza had sales of CHF 2.692 billion Lonza has 45 major production and R&D
facilities world wide Lonza employs over 11,000 people world wide
Lonza Verviers SPRL | Parc Industriel de Petit-Rechain | BE - B-4800 Verviers | http://www.lonza.com
Samanta Cimitan PhD | Business Development Therapeutic Cell Solutions [LBS Services]
Lonza AG | Münchensteinerstrasse 38 | CH | 4002 Basel | T. +41 61 3168375
mail to: [email protected] | [email protected]
4
COMPANY
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN…
MaSTherCell
MaSTherCell, Manufacturing Synergies for Therapeutic Cells, a cell therapy dedicated
Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) located in the Biopark in
Gosselies, has been founded in November 2011.The company offers its services to cell therapy product development companies in need of process development expertise or clinical
trial and/or commercial GMP manufacturing capacity.
Contract
Stem
cells
Development
Heart
Failure
Contract
(HF)
Manufacturing
GMP
Cell Therapy
SERVICES
MaSTherCell dedicates all its efforts and facilities to the development and manufacturing
of cell therapy products for its customers.
TARGETED MARKET
Though we focus primarily on Europe, we are in contact with several US prospects. We
are also considering direct access to US facilities, either through collaboration with a US
partner or by going direct. We will soon start prospection in Asia.
PARTNERSHIP/COLLABORATIONS
We have already established several collaborations with Belgian partners like ImmuneHealth, and have the intention to further develop partnerships with experts in order to
offer the best services to our customers, covering the entire supply chain.
KEY FIGURES
Masthercell currently employs 11 people and will have 20+ people in 2014
Over 5.5 M€ raised. Expected revenues of 3M€ by end 2014
Masthercell SA | Rue Adrienne Bolland, 8 | B-6041 Gosselies | Belgique | www.masthercell.com
Patrick Stragier Chief Business & Technology Officer | [email protected]
5
COMPANY
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN…
PROMETHERA BIOSCIENCES
cell-based medicinal
product, advance therapy
medicinal product,
biotechnology, pediatric,
orphan drug.
Stem cells
Heart Failure
(HF)
Liver
inborn metabolic
diseases
Crigler-Najjar syndrome
Urea Cycle disorders
Liver Fibrosis
Promethera® Biosciences is a Belgian pharmaceutical company, spin-off from the Université Catholique de Louvain which develops innovative treatment based on allogeneic adult
stem cell technology.Promethera® Biosciences' mission is to discover, develop, manufacture and commercialize innovative cell therapy products to treat liver diseases using
allogeneic progenitor cells harvested from healthy human livers.Promethera® Biosciences
was founded in 2009 based on research discovery by Professor Etienne Sokal's team
(UCL, Brussels). Eric Halioua is the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Promethera®
Biosciences.
PRODUCTS
Promethera® Biosciences develops two products based on a patent-protected progenitor
cell type, the Heterologous Human Adult Liver Progenitor Cell (HHALPC):
• Promethera® HepaStem is a cell therapy product indicated in severe liver diseases
affecting children and adults. A wide variety of inborn metabolic diseases and acquired
chronic hepatic diseases can be treated with the same product.
• Promethera® HepaScreen is a durable cell-based assay for the pharmaceutical
industry. The pre-clinical cell model is designed to evaluate the metabolism and
detoxification of new drugs by the human liver.
TARGETED MARKET
The potential market of the cell-based medicinal product HepaStem is the population
suffering either from one of 200 liver-based inborn metabolic diseases or from chronic
liver diseases. In Europe and in the USA, inborn diseases affect a total of 210 000 patients, with 10 000 new cases each year. Chronic liver diseases affect 300 000 patients
of whom 20% are affected by liver fibrosis. The total market is estimated at EUR 100M for
the cell-based assay HepaScreen, designed for the metabolic and toxic evaluation of new
chemical entities by pharmaceutical companies.
PARTNERSHIPS/COLLABORATIONS
Industrial and academic partners include UCB pharma (development of HepaScreen), Artelis-ATMI (innovative manufacturing processes), CER Groupe (Centre d’Economie Rurale,
CRO), Université Catholique de Louvain (Laboratoire d'Hépatologie Pédiatrique et Thérapie
Cellulaire), Universiteit Hasselt, and Faculté Notre Dame de la Paix Namur.
KEY FIGURES
Promethera Biosciences is a fast growing company. The motivated team expanded from
two employees in 2009 to 46 in June 2012, directed by a seasoned management board.
The GMP-accredited 327 m² pilot plant includes three grade B aseptic rooms.
Promethera Biosciences | rue Granbonpré 11 | 1435 Mont-Saint-Guibert | http://www.promethera.com
Eric HALIOUA, CEO | T. +32 (0)10 39 43 00 | F. +32 (0)10 39 43 01 | [email protected]
6
LABORATORIES
PAGE
CLEAN ROOMS
CLINICAL
RESEACH
PRECLINICAL
RESEARCH
ORGANIZATION
BASIC
RESEARCH
Summary table
UCL – Cardiovascular Research
9
UCL – Pediatric Hepatology and Liver Cell Therapy
10
UCL – Gynaecology
11
UCL – …ndocrine Cell Therapy Unit (1)
12
UCL – …ndocrine Cell Therapy Unit (2)
13
UCL – …xperimental Surgery Laboratory
(ISO9001 for
advanced cell
therapies)
14
UCL – Neuropharmacology and Neurodifferentiation
15
UCL – Hematopoiesis
16
UCL – Spinal Cord and Dental Regeneration
17
ULB – IRIBHM (1)
18
ULB – IRIBHM (2)
19
ULB – Laboratory of Bone Biochemistry and Metabolism-Rheumatology
and Physical Medicine Dept.
20
Ulg – Laboratory of Cell and Gene Therapy - CHU
21
ULg – Hematology Unit - GIGA Research Institute
22
ULg – Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis - Giga Research Institute
23
ULg – Bone and Cartilage Research Unit
24
University of Namur (FUNDP) – Unit Research in Cell Biology
25
LABORATORIES
REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
LABORATORY
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN…
UCL - Gynaecology
Stem
cells
Female
and
Male
Heart Failure
Infertility
(HF)
Germ Cell
Cryopreservation
Cryostorage
Grafting
The Gynaecology unit is a pluridisciplinary team comprising gynecologists, biochemists
and a veterinary surgeon, that works in close collaboration with clinical teams to manage
infertility problems and treat gynecological disorders. The research laboratory is equipped
with all the setting for cell culture, microscopy and image analysis, immunohistochemistry
and molecular biology and has at its disposal UCL technology platforms. It is ideally located, close to the ovarian and testicular tissue biobanks and the Cliniques Universitaires St
Luc, where thousands of patients are treated for infertility problems each year and clinical
trials are conducted.
RESEARCH AXES / TECHNOLOGY
There are to main fields of interest associated with female and male infertility:
• Optimization of protocols for human ovarian tissue and follicle cryopreservation
and transplantation in order to preserve fertility in cancer patients.
• Establishment of cryopreservation protocols for immature testicular tissue, designed
to preserve spermatogonial stem cells with a view to restoring fertility in young boys
after gonadotoxic treatment for cancer.
Technologies developed include male and female germ cell cryopreservation,
experimental in vitro and in vivo models, and analytical tests to evaluate cell viability
and functionality after cryostorage and/or grafting.
APPLICATIONS FIELDS
Experimental research: Set-up of new protocols for stem cell and germ stem cell cryobanking and transplantation.
Clinical application: Development of new options to preserve fertility in men and women
undergoing gonadotoxic treatments.
Biopharmaceutical industry: Design of innovative tools to transplant isolated cells and
tissues
ONGOING PROJECT(S)
• Assembly of an artificial ovary combining isolated human ovarian follicles, fibrin and
a textile pocket (Biowin).
• Characterization and differentiation of male primordial germinal cells derived
from induced pluripotent stem cells, in order to restore fertility in cancer patients
undergoing radio- and/or chemotherapy.
Université catholique de Louvain / Pôle de Gynécologie / Institute of experimental and clinical research (IREC)
Avenue Mounier 52, Box B1.52.02 | B-1200 Brussels | www.saintluc.be/services/medicaux/gynecologie/index.php
Andrology | Prof Christine Wyns, MD, PhD | +32 (0)2 764 65 76 | [email protected]
Gynaecology | Anne Van Langendonckt, MSc, PhD | +32 (0)2 764 52 87 | [email protected]
Prof Marie-Madeleine Dolmans, MD, PhD | +32 (0)2 764 41 14 | [email protected]
10
LABORATORY
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN…
UCL - Endocrine Cell Therapy Unit (1)
Monolayer
Stem cells
Cellular
Heart
Failure
Device
(HF)
Human islets
Encapsulation
Type 1 Diabetes
Although islet allotransplantation represents a useful therapeutic tool for Type 1 diabetic
(T1DM) patients, the need for permanent immunosuppresion remain, however, as major
hurdle to the widespread use of pancreatic islet transplantation for curing type 1 diabetes
mellitus. Therefore, our clinical research focused on the immunoprotection of human islets
allotransplantation by encapsulation to perform: (i) a simple, (ii) safe, (iii) reversible and
(iv) functional procedure to control a brittle type 1 diabetes.
RESEARCH AXES/TECHNOLOGY
Our research work focused on the production of a Monolayer Cellular Device to encapsulate human islets in view to (i) obtain a selective permeability for small molecules (glucose, oxygen,…) avoiding the passage of molecules over 150 KDal (as IgG, IgM, Complement,….) and (ii) perform a clinical simple procedure with subcutaneous transplantation.
Clinical development of the transplantation of encapsulated human allogenic islets in
the subcutaneous tissue following: (i) the regulation of “Advanced Therapy of Medicinal
Products” and (ii) with a certification ISO9001-2008. This clinical research program is
performed under “GMP-like” (Grade A in Grade B) and ISO9001-2008 certifications for the
quality program.
APPLICATION FIELDS
The Monolayer Cellular Device for human islets encapsulation is performed to control
brittle type 1 diabetes with a minimally invasive procedure. The products of the invention may be useful not only for islets encapsulation but also for other endocrine cells
(parathyroid cells,…).
ONGOING PROJECT(S)
A Phase 1 clinical study (15 patients) is currently performed to assess the safety and
efficacy of the Monolayer Cellular Device (for allogenic encapsulated human islets) following the guidelines of the Belgian Ministry of Health, approved by the local (of the
Medical Faculty, Université Catholique de Louvain) and by national ethical committee for
clinical study (EUDRACT number: 2008-001758-41).
Université catholique de Louvain
Endocrine Cell Therapy Unit | Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc | B-1200 Brussels (Woluwe) | Belgium
Denis Dufrane | Head of Unit | +32 (0)2 764 67 86 | [email protected]
11
LABORATORY
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN…
UCL - Endocrine Cell Therapy Unit (2)
Autologous
Stem cells
AMSCs
Heart
Failure
(HF)
Bone
Adipose stem cells
3-Dimensional graft
Bone repair
Tissue engineering is a growing field where new materials are being developed for implantation into the body. One important area involves bone graft materials to replace areas
of bone lost to trauma or disease (as e.g. tumor resection). Therefore, the production of
multi-dimensional tissues for use in bone graft, reinforcement or reconstruction remains
a real technical issue.Our work focused on the clinical development of a multi-dimensional
osteogenic-like structure made of autologous adipose mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs).
RESEARCH AXES/TECHNOLOGY
Our research is directed to the field of AMSCs, (i) their GMP-isolation with a minimally invasive subcutaneous procedure, (ii) their differentiation into multi-dimensional tissues
and (iii) characterization (osteogenic phenotype,genetic stability,endotoxin/mycoplam
content) in view to obtain: the same properties as a real bone, an non-immunogenic effect, a desirable handling and mechanical characteristics required for implantation in
the bone native disease area. This clinical research program is performed under “GMPlike” (Grade A in Grade B) and ISO9001-2008 certifications for the Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product regulation
APPLICATION FIELDS
The products of the invention may be useful in bone tissue reconstruction, especially
traumatology, orthopaedic, plastic, maxillofacial and neurosurgery.
ONGOING PROJECT(S)
Clinical application (safety and efficacy) of this autologous osteogenic-like structure
(derived from adipose tissue) is under investigation in orthoapedic surgery (after tumour resection and in the treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis) and in neurosurgery
(for vertebral body fusion).
Université catholique de Louvain
Endocrine Cell Therapy Unit | Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc | B-1200 Brussles (Woluwe) | Belgium
Denis Dufrane | Head of Unit | +32 (0)2 764 67 86 | [email protected]
12
LABORATORY
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN…
UCL - Experimental Surgery Laboratory
Stem cells
Diabetes
Heart Failure
Xeno-islets
(HF)
Pig islets
Insulin-producing cells,
Transgenic/Cloned pigs,
Bioartificial pancreas,
Alginate encapsulation
Since pancreas or islets transplantation are not accessible for the majority of diabetic patients due to the organ shortage and the need for chronic immunosuppression, research
needs to focus on alternative insulin-producing cells and ways to implant these cells without the use of chronic immunosuppression. Alginate Encapsulation of pig islets cells is a
possible way to solve both problems: the source of pig cells would in fact be illimited and the
encapsulation (micro or macro) can protect these cells from the recipient immune system.
RESEARCH AXES/TECHNOLOGY
All in vivo models to evaluate diabetes correction by islets transplantation (rodents, pigs,
higher mammals,...). (ii) Islets isolation from rodents, adult or neonates pigs. (iii) Production of transgenic and cloned pigs to provide “super pig islets”. (iv) Micro and Macro-encapsulation with different kind of extra-pure alginate. -Bioartificial pancreas
APPLICATION FIELDS
Diabetes mellitus type 1 is a chronic disease affecting 30 millions peoples in the world and
type 2 diabetes concern 220 millions of peoples around the world. The latter disease will be
the “disease of the century”. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), direct healthcare costs of diabetes-related illnesses range from 2.5% to 15% of a country’s annual healthcare budget. If the predicted increase in cases of diabetes is borne out, the cost will increase
to 212–391 billion € by 2025 (IDF Diabetes Atlas, 2006).
ONGOING PROJECT(S)
• Pig islets transplantation after micro or macro-encapsulation in diabetic higher
mammals
• Production of transgenic or cloned pigs
• Development of bioartificial pancreas
Université catholique de Louvain
Experimental Surgery Laboratory | Avenue Hippocrate 55 bte B1.55.04 | B-1200 Brussels (Woluwe) | Belgium
Pierre Gianello | Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, UCL, Brussels, Belgium
[email protected] | +32 (0)2 764 55 82
Denis Dufrane | laboratory of Experimental Surgery, UCL, Brussels, Belgium | [email protected]
Sophie Veriter | Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, UCL, Brussels, Belgium | [email protected]
13
LABORATORY
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN…
UCL - Neuropharmacology and Neurodifferentiation
Spinal cord
Stem cells
Glial cells
Heart Failure
Mesenchymal
(HF)
stem cells
Neural progenitor
Neurodegenerative
disease
Neuroprotection
The groups of Neuropharmacology and Neurodifferentiation within the Institute of Neuroscience joint their efforts in the study of cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the
development of the central nervous system and the progression of neurological disorders.
Research project are focused on the spinal cord, in which we study the dysfunctions of neurons and glial cells in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (motoneuron disease) or in models of
physical or nervous lesions resulting in chronic pain. We also examine the putative reactivation of key developmental process upon nervous lesions.
RESEARCH AXES / TECHNOLOGY
The groups have complementary expertises for in vitro and in vivo characterization of
neural cell progenitors during central nervous development and in the study of glial cell
function in models of nervous lesions. Beside DNA cloning and other conventional biochemical techniques, key experimental approaches are primary neural cell cultures,
immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, rodent neurosurgery and analysis of
animal behaviours (diverse motor and pain tests). Projects are conducted on dedicated
transgenic animal models showing impaired development of developing neurodegenerative disorders. In the context of regenerative medicine, we study the activation of neuroprotective properties of endogenous glial cells during the progression of amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis or in the context of neuropathic pain. In these animal models, we also
examine the neuroprotective/neuroimmunomodulatory properties of bone derived mesenchymal stem cells.
APPLICATIONS FIELDS
A better knowledge of the neuroprotective or immunomodulatory profile of bone marrow
derived mesenchymal stem cells hold clue for the development of regenerative medicine for neurological disorders. Supporting endogenous repair or defense mechanisms,
the systemic or intrathecal administration of stem cells constitutes a putative therapeutic approach of nervous disease involving neuroinflammation.
ONGOING PROJECT(S)
In vitro characterization of the neuroprotective profile of mesenchymal stem cells.Influence of grafted mesenchymal stem cells on the inflammatory response in models
of spinal cord insults. Mechanisms of mesenchymal stem cell recruitment at nervous
lesion site
Université catholique de Louvain
UCL – Institute of Neuroscience (IoNS) | Woluwe / B-1200 Brussels (Woluwe) | Belgium | www.uclouvain.be/en-ions.html
Group of Neuropharmacology / Emmanuel Hermans | Professor | +32 (0)2 764 93 39 (or 54 10)
[email protected]
Lab of Neural differentiation / Frédéric Clotman/ Professor / +32 (0)2 764 55 71 | frederic.clotman @uclouvain.be
14
LABORATORY
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN…
UCL - Hematopoiesis
Stem cells
Hematopoietic
stemFailure
cells,
Heart
Cord
blood
(HF)
Hematopoiesis
JAK-STAT, JAK2 V671F,
MPL/TpoR, PDGFR
Interferon,
myeloproliferative
neoplasms,
The groups study normal and pathological hematopoiesis, especially in relationship with
myeloid cancers, leukemia and cord blood cell differentiation. Research is conducted in two
units of the de Duve Institute and in the St Luc Hospital, where a blood cancer bank has
been initiated. Both the Hematology and Clinical Biology departments are involved with the
fundamental units of the de Duve Institute, where multicolor FACS analysis and sorting,
sequencing, mass spectrometry and in vivo mouse bone marrow transplant approaches
are employed. The groups are known for identification of medically important mutations,
such as JAK2 V617F, JAK1 mutants, thrombopoietin and PDGF receptor mutants and for
novel approaches to therapy, especially cellular therapy and cord blood cell differentiation.
Physiologic and pathologic hematopoiesis are studied and compared.
RESEARCH AXES / TECHNOLOGY
The major axes of research are: i) identification of the molecular bases of myeloid cancers; ii) study of the signaling and biologic effects of cytokine receptors, Janus kinases
and tyrosine kinase receptors; iii) study of the mechanism of the antiproliferative effect
of type I interferon in myeloid cancers; iv) signaling by cytokine receptors and Janus kinases in hematopoietic stem cells in physiologic and myeloproliferative hematopoiesis;
v) effect in vivo in myelofibrosis patients of JAK2 inhibitors; vi) development of novel
systems to study hematopoiesis using cord blood cells; vii) cell therapy models with
cord blood cells.
APPLICATIONS FIELDS
Hematology, Oncology, Endocrinology, Transfusion medicine, Transplantation
ONGOING PROJECT(S)
The major projects explore the role of the cytokine receptor, JAK-STAT and tyrosine kinase
receptors (PDGFR and mutants) in physiologic and pathologic hematopoiesis. Both cell
lines and in vivo mouse models are used, along with retroviral transduction of primary
patients, mouse and cord blood cells. The broad aim is to identify the precise signaling
mechanisms responsible for myeloid cell differentiation and understand how oncogenic
proteins such as JAK2 V617F or PDGR-fusion proteins induce myeloid cancers.
Université catholique de Louvain
Cell Signaling (SIGN) | de Duve Institute |http://www.deduveinstitute.be
Stefan Constantinescu / Professor |+32 (0)2 764 7540 |[email protected]
Growth factors receptors | de Duve Institute
Jean-Baptiste Demoulin / Professor | +32 (0)2 764 6529 | [email protected]
Hematology | St Luc Hospital and de Duve institute
Laurent Knoops / MD, PhD | +32 (0)2 764 1807 | [email protected]
Hematological Clinical Biology | St Luc Hospita
Dominique Latinne / Professor and Head of Hematological Clinical Biology
+32 (0)2 764 6788 | [email protected]
Division of Haematology, Haemostasis and Thrombosis Unit, and Haemophilia Clinic - St Luc Hospital | B-1200 Brussels
Cédric Hermans / Professor and head of Division of Hematology | +32 (0)2 764 1785
[email protected] | http://www.hemophilie-ucl.be
15
LABORATORY
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN…
UCL - Spinal Cord and Dental Regeneration
Our group focuses on drug delivery systems that address unmet pharmaceutical and medical needs, including drug delivery in tissue engineering. We develop 3D implants (hydrogels,
polymeric scaffolds) delivering growth factors, genes, drugs and/or cells that provide sustained delivery of factors, support survival, infiltration and/or proliferation of cells for tissue
engineering applications, in particular for spinal cord injury and for dental regeneration.
Stem cells
Dental
Heart
StemFailure
cells
(HF)
Drug Delivery
Scaffolds
Injectable Hydrogels
Biomaterials
RESEARCH AXES / TECHNOLOGY
• Injectable hydrogels
• Scaffold, Stem cells
• Growth factor delivery (nanoparticles, microparticles)
APPLICATIONS FIELDS
• Spinal cord injury
• Dental regeneration
ONGOING PROJECT(S)
• Development of biomaterials for regenerative medicine and dentistry
• Influence of dental stem cells on spinal cord regeneration
Université catholique de Louvain
Louvain Drug Research Institute Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Unit | B-1200 Brussels (Woluwe) | Belgium
www.uclouvain.be/en-269736.html
Anne des Rieux/ Chercheur Qualifié FNRS | +32 (0)2 764 73 57 | [email protected]
Julian Leprince/ Chargé de Recherche FNRS | +32 (0)2 764 57 50 | [email protected]
16
LABORATORY
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN…
ULB - IRIBHM (1)
One major challenge for neurological diseases is the lack of appropriate models that mimick all aspects of the human condition. Another major issue in brain therapy is the advent
of rational brain repair strategies. Both issues could be solved in principle through the use
of pluripotent stem cell technology, coupled with directed neural development.
Disease modelling
Stem cells
Heart Failure
Induced pluripotent
(HF)
stem cells
Embryonic stem cells
Brain repair
Cerebral cortex
Neurodegeneration
Epilepsy
RESEARCH AXES/TECHNOLOGY
Our laboratory has pioneered the technology to direct the differentiation of embryonic or
induced pluripotent stem cells into defined population of neurons of clinical relevance,
in particular neurons of the cerebral cortex ((Gaspard et al. Nature 2008; European Patent Application 11184863.6). These neural cells recapitulate most of the complexity of
the cerebral cortex, and when grafted into the mouse brian they can integrate and recapitulate the neural circuits f the cortex, with direct relevance to brain repair.
APPLICATION FIELDS
• Modellling human brain development and diseases
• Drug screen for diseases of cortical neurons
(epilepsy, Alzheimer,autisme)
• Toxicology screens on defined populations of nerve cells
• Cell therapy for diseases of the cerebral cortex
(stroke, epilepsy)
ONGOING PROJECT(S)
Modelling of human disases of brain development. Use of the technology in proof of concept experiments to cure cortical neuron loss by cell therapy replacement
Université Libre de Bruxelles
IRIBHM | 808 route de Lennik | 1070 Brussels | Belgium | http://dev.ulb.ac.be/pvdhlab
Pierre Vanderhaeghen | Professor at ULB | +32 (0)2 555 42 86 | +32 (0)2 555 46 55 | [email protected]
17
LABORATORY
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN…
ULB - IRIBHM (2)
Our lab is studying the mechanisms that regulate stem cell functions during embryonic development, tissue homeostasis and cancer formation. In particular we are studying
RESEARCH AXES / TECHNOLOGY
Stem cells
Stem
Cells
Heart Failure
(HF)
Role in cancer
Mechanisms of
differentiation
• The cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating cell fate specification during
embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. We are using embryonic stem
cell to produce cardiovascular cells and dissect the mechanisms that regulate their
specification and differentiation, which have important clinical implications. We are
studying the mechanisms that control epithelial development and homeostasis
including epidermis, mammary gland and prostate.
• The role of adult stem cells during cancer initiation. For most cancers, the target cells
of oncogenic mutations are unknown. We are determining whether epithelial stem
cells are the initial target cells of oncogenic mutations during cancer formation. Using
mouse genetic, we are also exploring the influence of the pre-existing self-renewing
capacity of adult stem cells during cancer formation.
• The role of cancer stem cells during cancer growth and relapse after therapy. Recent
studies provide compelling evidence that certain leukemia and human solid tumors
contain cells with high clonogenic potential, capable of reforming parental tumor upon
transplantation, and which have been referred to as cancer stem cells. However, it
remains unclear whether all cancers contain cancer stem cells and how do cancer
stem cells contribute to the actual tumor growth. We are using different approaches
combining cell isolation and transplantation as well as unbiased genetic approach to
determine the contribution of cancer stem cells during epithelial cancer growth and
relapse after therapy.
APPLICATIONS FIELDS
• Stem cells
• Development
• Cancer
• Regenerative medicine
Université Libre de Bruxelles
IRIBHM | 808 route de Lennik | 1070 Brussels | Belgium | http://dev.ulb.ac.be/pvdhlab
Cédric Blanpain | Professor at ULB | +32 (0)2 555 41 75 (41 90) | [email protected]
18
LABORATORY
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN…
ULB - Laboratory of Bone Biochemistry and Metabolism
Rheumatology and Physical Medicine Dept
The laboratory and department have a solid scientific and technical expertise in bone
métabolism, bone biology and bone cell therapy, and particularly in stem cells isolation,
osteoblast culture, enzymatic testing, and gene expression analysis. In collaboration with
Bone Therapeutics, they have set up in vitro tests and in vivo models to study the safety
and efficacy of bone cell products.
Stem cells
Heart Failure
(HF)
Cell therapy
Bone diseases
Stem cells
RESEARCH AXES/TECHNOLOGY
Bone disease cell therapy
APPLICATION FIELDS
Bone disease including osteonecrosis, nonunion, fractures and osteoarthritis.
ONGOING PROJECT(S)
• Physiopathogeny of non-union: development of specific cell therapy product
• Development of serum free media for cell therapy
• Development of new treatment device for osteoarthritis
Université Libre de Bruxelles
Hôpital Erasme | Route de Lennik 808 | B 1070 Bruxelles | Belgium
Pr Valérie Gangji | Head of Dept - +32 (0)2 555 36 50 | [email protected]
Joanne Rasschaert | Director of Biochemistry dept | Faculty of Medicine | ULB
[email protected] - +32 (0)2 555 63 07
19
LABORATORY
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN…
ULg - Laboratory of Cell and Gene Therapy (CHU)
Tissue bank
Stem cells
GMP cell
Heart Failure
production
(HF)
R&D
Lymphocytes
Dendritic cells
Hematopoietic cells
Mesenchymal
stem cells
Preosteoblasts
The Laboratory of Cell and Gene Therapy (LTCG) at the University Hospital of Liège and the
University de Liège boasts the largest experience in clinical and translational research in
cell therapy in Belgium. It includes 3 tissue banks (hematopoietic cells, cord blood, nonhematopoietic cells) that have received Belgian AFMPS/FAGG, FACT-Netcord and JACIE accreditations, a R&D unit to transfer innovative cell technologies to the clinic, and an ATMP
production lab producing et distributing cell products used in patients throughout Belgium
in the context of approved clinical trials.
RESEARCH AXES/TECHNOLOGY
The major cell products prepared in the LTCG include:
• Specifically selected or depleted populations of T lymphocytes
(such as CD8-depleted T cells, regulatory T cells …) to be used in immunotherapy
protocols in cancer or transplant patients;
• WT1 mRNA-loaded dendritic cells to be used in tumor vaccination;
• Mensenchymal stem cells (MSC) to be used as immunosuppressive therapy
in hematopoietic as well as organ transplantation, and autoimmune diseases;
• Marrow-derived MSC or pre-osteoblastic cells to be used for bone regeneration
APPLICATION FIELDS
The major therapeutic areas covered at the LTCG include:
• Immunotherapy of cancer
• Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and solid organ transplantation
• Auto-immune diseases
• Bone regeneration
ONGOING PROJECT(S)
Our major partners include:
• The Center for Innovative Medicine (CIM), involved in collaborations with industrial
partners for GMP product development and phase 1-2 clinical trials;
• A network of Belgian academic hospitals involved in HCT;
• International exchanges of hematopoietic cell products.
Université de Liège
LTCG (CHU de Liège) | CHU Sart-Tilman, 1 Av de l’Hôpital, | 4000 Liège | Belgium
www.chu.ulg.ac.be/jcms/c_13333/therapie-cellulaire-et-genique
Yves Beguin / Professor | +32 (0)4 366 72 01 | +32 (0)4 366 88 55 | [email protected]
Etienne Baudoux / Director | +32 (0)4 366 83 94 | +32 (0)4 366 83 91 | [email protected]
20
LABORATORY
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN…
ULg - Hematology Unit of the GIGA Research Institute
Hematology
Stem cells
Transplantation
Heart Failure
Stem
cells
(HF)
Cancer
Hematopoietic cells
Mesenchymal stem cells
Regenerative medicine
Immunotherapy
The Hematology Unit of the GIGA-I3 research group is part of the larger GIGA Research Institute, a major multidisciplinary Research Center of the University of Liège focusing on genoproteomic approaches in the biomedical field.The Hematology unit specializes in the study
of hematopoietic and other stem cells. This includes investigations of stem cell biology,
purification and expansion, as well as the therapeutic use of these cells in the context of
hematopoietic cell transplantation, immunotherapy of cancer and regenerative medicine.
RESEARCH AXES/TECHNOLOGY
The major research axes in our unit include:
• Hematopoietic stem cells: biology, expansion, transplantation;
• Investigation of immune function in patients;
• Erythropoiesis and iron metabolism;
• Mensenchymal stem cells (MSC): biology and therapeutic use;
• Cellular immunotherapy of cancer, including multiple myeloma.
APPLICATION FIELDS
The major applications of our research in cell therapy are:
• Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) ;
• Reconstitution of immune function after transplantation;
• Cellular immunotherapy of cancer and graft-versus-host disease;
• Regenerative medicine (liver, heart, bone).
ONGOING PROJECT(S)
Our major partners include:
• Other units of the GIGA Research Institute ;
• The Laboratory of Cell and Gene Therapy at the CHU of Liège ;
• Numerous international partners involved in scientific collaborations ;
• Private companies interested in cell products and our expertise in cell therapy.
Université de Liège
Hematology unit of the GIGA Research Institute | 1 Av de l’Hôpital, | 4000 Liège | Belgium
www.giga.ulg.ac.be/jcms/prod_181503/en/haematology-lab
Yves Beguin / Professor | +32 (0)4 366 72 01 | +32 (0)4 366 88 55 | [email protected]
Frédéric Baron / PI | +32 (0)4 366 72 01 | +32 (0)4 366 88 55 | [email protected]
21
LABORATORY
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN…
ULg - Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis,
GIGA Research Institute
Hemostasis
Stem cells
Coagulation
Heart Failure
Platelets
(HF)
Cancer
Endothelial
progenitor cells
Marrow stromal cells
Cancer stem cells
Stem cell mobilization
The Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis comprises scientists, clinical biologists and
physicians active in basic and translational research in the field of hemorrhagic and thrombotic disorders. It is integrated in the GIGA Research Institute of the University of Liège.
The research activities of the Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis are supervised
by Cécile Oury and André Gothot who combine their expertise in platelets and stem cell
biology, respectively.
RESEARCH AXES/TECHNOLOGY
The Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis focuses on the crosstalk between the
hemostatic system and normal or cancer stem cells in hematological and cardiovascular
diseases as well as in cancer. The Laboratory is equipped with a technological platform
comprising cell culture and flow cytometry, coagulometers, analyzers dedicated to the
study of platelet function, thrombinography and thromboelastometry instruments, murine models of thrombo-embolism by Doppler and intravital microscopy.
APPLICATION FIELDS
• Endothelial cell therapy in disseminated intravascular coagulation of sepsis
• Role of platelet and myeloid cell purinergic receptors in bone marrow-derived stem
cell mobilization
• Contribution of platelets in the establishment of metastatic niches for colon cancer
stem cells
ONGOING PROJECT(S)
Ongoing collaborations involve:
• Several Departments of Liège University Hospital and GIGA-Research
• Manufacturers of diagnostic reagents interested in biomarker stratification
• Academic centers in UK, Netherlands and France, with expertise in platelet biology
and coagulation
Université de Liège
Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, GIGA Research Institute
1Av de l’Hôpital, 4000 Liège | Belgium | www.giga.ulg.ac.be
Cécile Oury / PhD | +32 (0)4 366 24 87 | [email protected]
André Gothot / MD, PhD | +32 (0)4 366 75 36 | [email protected]
22
LABORATORY
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN…
ULg - Bone and Cartilage Research Unit
Stem cells
Osteoarthritis
Heart
Failure
Biomarkers
(HF)
The Bone and Cartilage Research Unit is highly specialized in the pre-clinical and clinical
investigation of joint diseases. Furthermore, BCRU has a great expertise in the diagnosis
and follow-up of arthritic patients, mainly by the measurements of cartilage, muscles and
bone turnover markers in serum, urine and synovial fluid. It has been serving, for more
than 10 years, as a central laboratory facility, for these biomarkers in multicenter trials
sponsored by pharmaceutical companies or governments. Based on patents, BCRU has
founded two spin-off named “Artialis”(www.artilais.com) and “Synolyne”(www.synolyne.
com). BCRU has initiated collaborative works with the most prestigious European and US
universities on biomarkers and biomaterials research.
RESEARCH AXES/TECHNOLOGY
Cartilage
Bone
• Study of the role played by synovium inflammation, bone remodeling and
chondrocyte hypertrophy in osteoarthritis development.
• Research of new biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis and efficacy of drugs
in joint disorders
• Research of natural biomaterials for cell therapy and viscosupplementation
treatments of osteoarthritic cartilage.
APPLICATION FIELDS
• Research and development of drugs, food supplments and medical devices
• Joint disorders diagnosis
• Tissue repair
ONGOING PROJECT(S)
• Study of the bone and cartilage neo-vascularization
• Research of biomarkers for the monitoring of sarcopenia
and intervertebral disk degeneration
• Development of optimized biomaterials for cartilage repair induction.
Université de Liège
Prof Y Henrotin | Bone and Cartilage Research Unit, University of Liège, CHU Sart-Tilman,
4000 Liège – Belgium | [email protected] | +32 (0)4 366 25 16 | www.bcru.be
23
LABORATORY
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN…
University of Namur (FUNDP) - Research Unit in Cell Biology
Stem cells
Proteomics
Heart Failure
(HF)
Mitochondria
Cell signaling
Transcription
factors
The Research Unit in Cell Biology-Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (URBC-NARILIS) of the University of Namur can rely on about 60 people, under the supervision of 6
professors or FNRS associated researchers to feed its research. The main research interest
of URBC-NARILIS is to study how mammalian cells in culture respond to various stresses,
ranging from atherogenic stress (Prof. M. Raes), metabolic stress (Prof. T. Arnould and P.
Renard), hypoxia (Prof. C. Michiels) or aging/stress induced premature senescence (Dr. O.
Toussaint and F. Chainiaux). Cell responses are analysed at the metabolic, transcriptomic
and/or proteomic level, as well as with the whole panel of standard cell biology and biochemical assays.
RESEARCH AXES/TECHNOLOGY
• a complete proteomic platform, based on 2D-DIGE technology, working routinely
with several mass spectrometers. This platform is largely used for research projects
initiated by private companies as well as by other universities;
• a “low oxygen” culture station, for culturing cells in more physiological conditions
(typically 5% O2 instead of 21 % O2) which delay cell senescence;
• a strong know-how in cell signaling, including in the study of transcription factor
activation/regulation;
• an expertise in the field of cell senescence and in toxicology (in vitro and in vivo)
acquired during the Nanotoxico project funded by the Walloon Region.
APPLICATIONS FIELDS
Optimization of culture conditions for specific stem cellsCellular and biochemical
characterisation of stem cells
Cell-based in vitro modelling for toxicity screening on hepatic cells
ONGOING PROJECT(S)
• Study of mitochondrial biogenesis during the hepatogenic differentiation of human
mesenchymal stem cells (A. Wanet PhD thesis, in close collaboration with Dr M.
Najimi, PEDI, UCL)
• Development of new cell-based in vitro models for ADME/toxicity screening, based on
human adult progenitor/stem cells. VALOSTEM - Biowin convention n° 6221
FUNDP – University of Namur
Rue de Bruxelles 61 | 5000 | Belgium | [email protected]
www.fundp.ac.be/sciences/biologie/urbc/
24
LABORATORY
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN…
UCL - Cardiovascular Research
Stem cells
Stem
cells
for heart repair
HeartforFailure
Drugs
cardiac
(HF)
regeneration
Cardiac
stem cells
Epigenetics
MicroRNA
Nitric oxide,
Immunogenicity
Ischemic cardiac
diseases
Several Research Groups within the Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Pole of Cardiovascular Research and Pole of Experimental Surgery within the Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC) are involved in collaborative efforts subsidized by an Action
de Recherche Concertée of the Communauté Wallonie-Bruxelles as well as the Politique
Scientifique Fédérale, on the isolation and characterization of several stem cells (including
cardiac stem cells or mesenchymal stem cells) of rodent, swine and human origin with the
aim of identifying critical signalling mechanisms of proliferation and differentiation that
can be modulated therapeutically for cardiac regeneration. Additionally, immunogenicity
of allogeneic stem cell is studied both ex vivo and in vivo in a swine model of subacute
ischemic cardiomyopathy.
RESEARCH AXES / TECHNOLOGY
• MACS isolation of cardiac stem cells from adult hearts
• FACS selection and sorting based on specific antigens
• Stem cells selection based on metabolic profiling
• In vitro differentiation to cardiac lineages, including cardiac myocytes
and phenotyping
• In vivo implantation and stem cells tracing using isotopic labelling
• Lineage specification by modulation of specific signalling pathways,
e.g. Wnt/beta-catenin and nitric oxide synthase, or AMP-activated protein kinase
• Stem cells transplantation in swine and humans
• Tolerance to allogenic stem cell transplantation
APPLICATIONS FIELDS
• Foreseen therapeutic applications to ischemic cardiac diseases,
myocardial infarction, heart failure
• Drug screening to modulate cardiac regeneration based on
in vitro differentiation assays
ONGOING PROJECT(S)
• Epigenetic mechanisms of cardiac stem cells lineage specification:
modulation by specific drugs and nitric oxide
• Modulation of Wnt/beta-catenin signalling for the control of
proliferation/differentiation of cardiac stem cells
• Identification of microRNA’s involved in stem cells re-programming
• Modulation of AMPK signalling for the control of proliferation/differentiation
of stem cells
• National (ARC, PAI) and international (Fondation Leducq, FP7) partnerships
Université catholique de Louvain / Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC) | B-1200 Brussels | Belgium
Prof J-L Balligand / Head | Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (IREC/FATH)
+32 (0)2 764 52 60 | [email protected]
Prof L. Bertrand | Pole of Cardiovascular Research (IREC/CARD) | +32 (0)2 764 55 52 | [email protected]
Prof P. Gianello | Pole of Experimental Surgery (IREC/CHEX) | +32 (0)2 764 55 82 | [email protected]
8
LABORATORY
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN…
UCL - Pediatric Hepatology and Liver Cell Therapy
Liver
stem
cells
Stem cells
Regenerative
Heart Failure
medicine
(HF)
ATMP
Orphan diseases
Cell transplantation
Phase I ATMP trials
Urea cycle disorders
Crigler Najjar
This team from Université catholique de Louvain is internationally recognized for its research
in liver regenerative medicine, from basic research on liver stem cells to translational and
clinical studies.This pioneer center in hepatocyte and stem cell transplantation for orphan
metabolic diseases is headed by Prof Etienne Sokal, founder of the spin-off Promethera
Biosciences, and is an Orphanet expert center in pediatric liver diseases.
RESEARCH AXES / TECHNOLOGY
• Isolation of mature and progenitor human cells from liver, cord Wharton jelly
and bone marrow. Isolation of liver mesenchymal progenitors, epithelial cells,
stellate cells and endothelial cells.
• Basic research on cell-cell interaction and hepatocyte differentiation.
• Cryopreservation
• Pre-clinical research on stem cell large scale expansion, biodistribution,
pro-coagulant activity, animal models of stem cell transplantation.
• Human cell models for viral replication.
• Accredited tissue bank (hepatocyte and liver stem cells), human hepatocyte
and ATMP transplantation.
• Phase one clinical trials with liver progenitor cells in urea cycle disorders and Crigler Najjar.
APPLICATIONS FIELDS
• Treatment of acquired and congenital liver diseases.
• Treatment of liver fibrosis, liver immune disorders, liver based inborn errors of
metablism such as urea cycle defects, Crigler Najjar syndrome, phenylketonuria,
organic aciduria, Refsum disease and clotting factor deficiencies.
• In vitro testing of new drugs: ADME tox studies, viral cycle platform.
ONGOING PROJECT(S)
Differentiation of liver stem cells in vitro, cell-cell interactions in co-culture systems, in
vivo cell tracking, biodistribution, pro-coagulant activity of stem cells, immunogenicity
and diagnosis of rejection, animal models of fibrosis. ADME tox studies using non transformed human liver cell lines, human cell models of HBV, HCV, CMV viral cycle. Phase
I/II clinical studies in urea cycle diseases and Criggler Najjar syndrome. Public Private
Partnership projects.
Université catholique de Louvain | Avenue Hippocrate 10 bte B2.2543 | B-1200 Brussels (Woluwe) | Belgium
Etienne SOKAL | Prof. Ordinaire at Université Catholique de Louvain | +32 (0)2 764 13 86 | +32 (0)2 764 89 09
[email protected]
9
RELATED ACTIVITIES
Summary table
TYPE OF ORGANIZATION
PAGE
BIOMATERIALS
KitoZyme
Company
27
Synolyne
Company
27
UCL – CRIBIO
Research Laboratory
28
UMons – CIRMAP
Research Laboratory
28
ULg – Centre Interfacultaire des Biomatériaux
Research Laboratory
29
ULg – Biomechanics Research Unit
Research Laboratory
29
Research Laboratory
30
CELL CULTURE AND SUPPORT EXPERTISE
UCL – Hepato-Gastroentology Liver and Pancreas Development
UCL – Genetics
Research Laboratory
31
ULB – Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy
Research Laboratory
32
UMons – Laboratory of Human Biology and Toxicology
Research Laboratory
32
Ulg – Genetics (CHU Liège)
Research Laboratory
33
ULg – Laboratory of …xperimental Pathology
Research Laboratory
33
sCINNAMIC – Centre of Medical Innovation (CIM)
Company
34
CMMI
Infrastructure / Core facilities
34
GIGA – Tech Platforms
Infrastructure / Core facilities
35
PLATFORMS
UNILAB – Lg Hematology
Infrastructure / Core facilities
35
UCL – Imaging
Infrastructure / Core facilities
36
Training Centre
37
TRAINING
Biopark Formation
RELATED ACTIVITIES
REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
COMPANIES
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN… R…LAT…D ACTIVITI…S
BIOMATERIALS
BIOMATERIALS
KitoZyme
SYNOLYNE
KitoZyme is a manufacturer of biopolymers from renewable, non-GMO
vegetable sources and a full-service provider of medical devices. One
of KitoZyme’s missions is to develop a new generation of cell scaffolds
for cell culture/therapy and regenerative medicine. These scaffolds rely
on KiOmedine® ultra-pure chitosan, a natural biopolymer with a unique
combination of properties, that is endotoxin-free, non animal-derived and
manufactured following ICH Q7 GMP guidelines. Thanks to its highly qualified R&D team, KitoZyme has accumulated extensive expertise in formulation, processing, analytical development and scaling-up performances
to help its partners address challenging therapeutic needs. KitoZyme is
ISO-9001:2008 and ISO 13485 certified and complies with GMP and HACCP.
RESEARCH AXES/TECHNOLOGY/SERVICES
KitoZyme hydrogel platform is a family of hydrogels/sealants derived
from chitosan and chitosan derivatives, some of which are liquid at
room temperature and spontaneously turns to gel at body temperature.
They offer beneficial properties to address unsatisfied markets (bone
and cartilage repair, cardiovascular, aesthetic surgery, biosurgery, etc).
Chitosan-based hydrogel offers 9 key features crucial for in vitro
cell culture, in vivo animal studies and beyond:
• Well–defined composition
• Customizable for a fine tuning of the gel properties
• Liquid at room T° for injection through small size needles (19 G)
• Formation at physiological pH, osmolarity and temperature
• Bioresorbable with time leaving behind the newly formed tissue.
• Biocompatible: spontaneous gel formation (without catalyst)
using anionic crosslinker; providing MSC cells with the right
environment to survive, migrate and proliferate.
• Bio/mucoadesive
• Able to sequester and slowly release drugs or biomolecules
(growth factors, etc).
• Suitable for implantation/injection: gels made according to GMP.
RESEARCH AXES / TEHNOLOGY / SERVICES
Chitosan, injectable hydrogels, tissue engineering, cell therapy,
cell/drug delivery, regenerative medicine
CONTACTS
KitoZyme | Parc Industriel des Hauts Sarts – zone 2
rue Haute Claire 4 | 4040 herstal | Belgium
+32 (0)4 259 85 00 | [email protected]
26
Synolyne is a spin-off of the University of Liège and a spin-out of
Kitozyme sa. This company is specialized in the development and
commercialization of patented medical devices for the viscosupplementation of arthritic joint and the cell therapy of cartilage lesion.
The product (Arthrovisc®) is a biphasic chitosan hydrogel with mechanical and biological properties protecting cartilage and promoting
cartilage matrix repair .
RESEARCH AXES/TECHNOLOGY/SERVICES
• Bio-optimized hydrogel for intra-articular treatment of joint
diseases
• Bio-optimized matrix for cell therapy
• Natural micro-carriers for drugs and nutraceuticals delivery
KEYWORDS
Arthritis, joint, Cartilage, matrix, viscosupplementation,
chitosan, cell therapy.
CONTACTS
SYNOLYNE SA | GIGA Tower, Level 3 | CHU Sart-Tilman
Ave nue de l’hôpital 11 | 4000 Liège | Belgique
LABORATORIES
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN… R…LAT…D ACTIVITI…S
BIOMATERIALS
BIOMATERIALS
UCL - CRIBIO
UMons - CIRMAP
The Center for Research and Engineering on Biomaterials (CRIBIO) at
UCL (Université catholique de Louvain) gathers experts from more
than 20 research teams involved in research projects centered on
biomaterials. CRIBIO aims at developing a pluridisciplinary approach,
from the lab to the patient. Its members are active in a large number
of fields, including regenerative medicine.
RESEARCH AXES/TECHNOLOGY/SERVICES
Several members of the CRIBIO are conducting research projects
on cell culture systems, tissue engineering, bioartificial organs,
and regenerative medicine. Cutting-edge technologies, such as
the design and elaboration of biointerfaces, the physico-chemical
characterization and functionalization of materials or the synthesis of bio-active molecules are mastered by the CRIBIO experts and
tested from in vitro models to clinical studies.
KEYWORDS
Biomaterials, tissue engineering, stem cells, cell culture, bio-interfaces, hydrogels, scaffolds, cryopreservation, polymers
CONTACTS
Université catholique de Louvain
CRIBIO
Sophie Demoustier and Christine Dupont
Professors and spokeswomen
Croix du Sud | 1 bte L7.04.02
B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve | Belgium
Gaëtane Leloup
Professors and spokeswomen
Avenue Hippocrate 10 bte B2.5721
B-1200 Brussels (Woluwe) Belgium
[email protected] | www.uclouvain/cribio
The Center of Innovation and Research in Materials and Polymers
(CIRMAP), and more particularly its Laboratory of Polymeric and
Composite Materials, takes advantage of its wide expertise in control
polymerization techniques and macromolecular engineering to develop well-defined cross-linked polymer networks presenting good
control over macromolecular parameters and predictable physicochemical properties. CIRMAP is involved in the synthesis of hydrogels (monolithic, injectable, nano-size) for 10 years with in scope the
development of new bioresorbable scaffolds for cell development in
the frame of regenerative medicine or for controlled drug delivery.
RESEARCH AXES/TECHNOLOGY/SERVICES
CIRMAP objectives are oriented towards a fine control/tuning over
the polymer synthesis, and to an in-depth characterization of the
resulting material properties, aiming at targeting new applications
in industrial domains as biomedical and pharmaceutical areas.
CIRMAP is particularly involved in the use and in the understanding of some key controlled polymerization techniques such as
metal-free ring-opening polymerization and controlled radical polymerization (ATRP, RAFT) as well as in Click chemistry reactions,
allowing the preparation of tailor-made materials. These domains
can be covered owing to the remarkable instrumental park available at CIRMAP, in terms of synthesis and characterization of the
polymeric materials.
KEYWORDS
Injectable hydrogels, hydrogel films, bioresorbable, thermo-responsive properties, biocompatibility.
CONTACTS
University of Mons (UMONS)
CIRMAP
20 Place du Parc | 7000 Mons | Belgium
Dr. Mespouille Laetitia |[email protected]
http://morris.umons.ac.be/CIRMAP
27
LABORATORIES
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN… R…LAT…D ACTIVITI…S
BIOMATERIALS
BIOMATERIALS
ULg - Centre Interfacultaire
des Biomatériaux
ULg - Biomechanics
Research Unit
CEIB is composed of 13 different laboratories/services with 31 representative members. Their disciplines cover the fields of material
synthesis and characterisation (polymer, metal, ceramic, biopolymers, dispersed materials (micro- nanoparticles, …), surface coating, biomaterial testing (in vitro, in vivo) and of their preclinical and
clinical investigations. Specific expertises of the CEIB in the area of
biomaterial concern: synthetic polymer engineering, in particular for
the production of biodegradable biocompatible polymers (PLA, PCL,
PLGA), including degradable amphiphilic gels designed for tissue
engineering. CEIB provides analytical services for the medical and
pharmaceutical industries, see www.ulg.ac.be/ceib
The Biomechanics Research Unit was established in 2009 within the
aerospace and mechanical engineering department of the university
of Liège. The research unit, led by Prof. Liesbet Geris, consists of a mix
of PhD students and postdocs with backgrounds varying from applied
mathematics over mechanical and material engineering to developmental biology. The experimental part of the unit’s research work is based in
the laboratories of Prometheus, the KU Leuven R&D division of Skeletal
Tissue Engineering of which Prof. Geris is the scientific coordinator. The
research unit is supported through university, regional and European
funding. Prof. Geris recently obtained an ERC starting grant to further
investigate in silico biomimetic process design in regenerative medicine.
RESEARCH AXES/TECHNOLOGY/SERVICES
RESEARCH AXES/TECHNOLOGY/SERVICES
•Optimisation of biomaterial composite fiber-hydrogel-cell
to promote bone reconstruction. This project allows us now
to evaluate a new biodegradable implant in clinical phase.
• Biomaterials loaded with thrombinomimetic peptides optimised
to promote cicatrisation and reparation of tissues.
• Hemocompatibility study of new polycations tailored to modify
the surface of biomaterials designed for cardiovascular surgery.
• Nanoscale Functionalities for Targeted Drug Delivery
of biopharmaceutics
• Sustainable Production of Advanced Functional Materials
for medical application.
• Fluorescent labeling of polymers to follow their biodistribution
The Biomechanics Research Unit focusses on the use of mathematical
models to elucidate developmental processes and the application of
these models to improve the design of bone regenerative processes
which should lead to enhanced quality and quantity of the final product. We have implemented a suite of model systems ranging from
mechanistic models (hypothesis-based) over gene regulatory network models to empirical models (data-driven), targeting processes
at the intracellular over the cellular up to the tissue level. Mechanistic
models are used as in silico tools to design new therapeutic strategies
and experiments, e.g. to investigate the dosage and timing of cell and
growth factor delivery in non-unions and large bone defects. Empirical
models are used to identify, in large data sets, those in vitro parameters (biological, biomaterial, environmental) that are critical for the in
vivo outcome, e.g. to steer the development of novel biomaterials.
KEYWORDS
Biodegradable polymers | Blood compatible | Polyelectrolyte
Hydrogel | Surface | Functionalisation | Degradable
KEYWORDS
In silico medicine, developmental engineering, materiomics, process design, biomimetics, bone
CONTACTS
Université de Liège
CEIB | Chemistry Institute, B6c | B-4000 Liege | Belgium
[email protected] | www.ceib.ulg.ac.be
28
CONTACTS
Université de Liège
Biomechanics Research Unit
Chemin des Chevreuils 1 B52/3 | 4000 Liège
http://www.biomech.ulg.ac.be
Liesbet Geris, Research Unit Leader
T. +32 (0)4 366 95 87 | F. +32 (0)4 366 95 05
[email protected]
LABORATORIES
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN… R…LAT…D ACTIVITI…S
CELL CULTURE AND
SUPPORT EXPERTISE
UCL - Hepato-gastroenterology
Liver & Pancreas Development
Regenerative therapy of liver disease depends on the availability
of large amounts of high quality hepatocytes. Producing such cells
in vitro, designing appropriate administration protocols and obtaining efficient engraftment in the recipient organ requires extensive
knowledge on how hepatocyte differentiate, proliferate and interact
with their environment. Research at the "Hepato-Gastroenterology"
and "Liver and Pancreas Development" groups focuses on hepatocyte biology in normal liver development and in adult diseased liver.
Identification of basic molecular mechanisms translates into improved protocols for cell therapy of liver disease, as well as on identification of targets to stimulate functional regeneration from native cells.
RESEARCH AXES/TECHNOLOGY/SERVICES
Using molecular and developmental biology approaches, combined
with imaging (including confocal and multiphoton microscopy)
and mouse transgene technology, the research groups identify
intercellular signaling mechanisms (diffusible and extracellular
matrix-related signaling) and intracellular gene regulators (transcriptional regulators and microRNAs) that modulate hepatocyte
differentiation in normal development and in regenerating liver. The
"Hepato-Gastroenterology" and "Liver and Pancreas Development"
research groups provide the research community with hepatocyte
differentiation assays, with new signaling effectors and gene regulators that modulate hepatocyte differentiation or benchmark the
quality of in vitro produced hepatocytes, and with animal models
for liver regeneration and cell therapy.
KEYWORDS
Liver, hepatocyte, differentiation, regeneration
CONTACTS
Université catholique de Louvain
GAEN | Avenue Mounier 53/B1.52.01 | B-1200 Brussels
(Woluwe) | Belgium | [email protected]
www.uclouvain.be/398887.html
Université catholique de Louvain
LPAD | Avenue Hippocrate 75/B1.75.03 | B-1200 Brussels
(Woluwe) | Belgium | [email protected]
www.deduveinstitute.be/liver_and_pancreas_development.php
29
LABORATORIES
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN… R…LAT…D ACTIVITI…S
CELL CULTURE AND
SUPPORT EXPERTISE
UCL - Genetics
Several complementary UCL clinical and research teams offer their
expertise in Genetics. These teams are structured as a Center, which
includes both clinical and laboratory activities (the Center for Human
Genetics), as platforms, such as the Microarray Platform UCL in de
Duve Institute and the Center for Applied Molecular Technologies
(CTMA), or as classical research groups. State-of-the-art technologies routinely performed in these laboratories provide strong support to research in the field of cell therapy.
RESEARCH AXES/TECHNOLOGY/SERVICES
• Genetic stability studies by karyotyping, FISH, and molecular
karyotyping, especially on cultured cells, and expert
interpretation (1)
• UCL platforms of high-throughput sequencing (NGS)
of exomes, genomes, RNAseq etc, as well as high-density
microarrays, with expertise in the biostatistical analyses
and interpretation (2)
• Development and validation of molecular and genetic tools
and methods including low and high density microarrays and
high-throughput sequencing, related biostatistics analyses,
teratogenicity, measure of p53 functional deficiency (3)
• Genetic and epigenetic alterations of the genome, DNA
methylation and histone modification analyses, various
telomere-related analyses (4)
KEYWORDS
Genetics, epigenetics, FISH, karyotyping, next generation
sequencing (NGS), microarrays, genetic stability, telomeres
30
CONTACTS
UCL Center for Human genetics
Miikka Vikkula and Hélène Antoine-Poirel
Av. Mounier, F | B-1200 Brussels (Woluwe) | Belgium
+32 (0)2 764 67 81 | [email protected]
[email protected]
GEHU Human Molecular Genetics
Miikka Vikkula and Mustapha Amyere
Av. Hippocrate 75 bte B1.75.02
B-1200 Brussels (Woluwe) | Belgium
+32 (0)2 764 74 96 | [email protected]
[email protected]
Center for Applied Molecular Technologies
Jean-Luc Gala
Clos Chapelle-aux-champs 30 bte B1.30.24
B-1200 Brussels (Woluwe) | Belgium
+32 (0)2 764 31 65 | [email protected]
www.ctma.be
GEPI Genetics and Epigenetics
Anabelle Decottignies and Charles De Smet
Av. Hippocrate 75 bte B1.75.02 | B-1200 Brussels (Woluwe)
Belgium | [email protected]
[email protected]
http://www.deduveinstitute.be/genetic_epigenetic.php
LABORATORIES
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN… R…LAT…D ACTIVITI…S
CELL CULTURE AND
SUPPORT EXPERTISE
CELL CULTURE AND
SUPPORT EXPERTISE
ULB - Laboratory of Clinical
Cell Therapy
UMons - Human Biology &
Toxicology Laboratory
Human MSC, found in many adult and fœtal tissues, hold the potential to revolutionize clinical approaches promoting tissue regeneration. MSC also possess immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive
properties which could improve acceptance of allogeneic cells used
for regenerative therapy. MSC from various origins exhibit different
features. The study of biological properties of MSC including immunoregulatory characteristics, differentiation capacity and trophic potential is relevant in the context of MSC-based therapies. Since MSC
are tightly regulated by their microenvironment, microbial products
or inflammation can also influence their fate.
RESEARCH AXES/TECHNOLOGY/SERVICES
• Procedures to isolate MSC from BM and alternative sources
(adipose tissue, umbilical cord, skine)
• Functional characterization of MSC isolated from different tissue
sources: differentiation potential, immunomodulation, migration
and trophic factor secretion
• Influence of the microenvironment on MSC functions
(inflammation, infection, hypoxia)
• Role of Toll-like receptor triggering in MSC activities
• Development of FBS-free medium for clinical applications
• Generation and expansion of regulatory T cells by MSC according
to their origin
• Cell culture rooms, cell laboratory, equipments for the study of
cellular and molecular biology (real time PCR, flow cytometer,...)
The Human Biology & Toxicology Laboratory is part of the School of
Medicine & Pharmacy at the University of Mons. The laboratory develops research activities in the field of prospective toxicology. In particular, the laboratory is recognized for its expertise in metabonomics.
RESEARCH AXES/TECHNOLOGY/SERVICES
The laboratory conducts research activities in the field of predictive
toxicology, primarily involving the use of metabonomics in various
in vitro and in vivo animal models, as well as in clinical studies.
The metabonomic approach is based on the spectroscopic (NMR
and MS) analysis of biofluids and tissues combined to multivariate data analysis to obtain metabolic signatures characteristic of
drug-induced adverse effects or pathologies. Biomarkers can be
next identified from such signatures. The main research projects
are mitochondrial toxicities, protein-adducts, cancers, nephropathies, and pre-eclampsia. Services include preclinical toxicological
assessment, analysis of metabolic disturbances caused by drugs
or diseases, and identification of toxicity marker metabolite for
early detection of drug candidates which will cause undesirable effects. Analysis of metabolic disturbances caused by drug, disease,
or toxic substance.
KEYWORDS
Toxicology, metabonomics, biomarkers, NMR
KEYWORDS
CONTACTS
Mesenchymal stromal cells, immunomodulation, toll-like receptor,
inflammation, differentiation
UMons
Laboratory of Human Biology & Toxicology
Avenue du Champ de Mars, 8 | 7000 Mons | Belgium
http://www.umons.ac.be
CONTACTS
Université Libre de Bruxelles
Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy | ULB721
Campus Erasme | Bâtiment de Transfusion | Etage 1
808, Route de Lennik | 1070 Bruxelles | Belgique
[email protected] | [email protected]
31
LABORATORIES
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN… R…LAT…D ACTIVITI…S
CELL CULTURE AND
SUPPORT EXPERTISE
CELL CULTURE AND
SUPPORT EXPERTISE
ULg - Genetics (CHU Liège)
ULg - Laboratory of
Experimental Pathology
The department of Human Genetics is part of Unilab-Lg, which comprises laboratories of three major disciplines, i.e., Clinical Biology, Genetics and Pathology, at Liège University Hospital. Unilab-Lg employs
more than 300 technicians, scientists, pharmacists or physicians. A
common quality assurance platform accredited by BELAC ensures
that all steps involved in laboratory data acquisition are carefully
controlled. State-of-the-art technical facilities are shared among all
disciplines and are available for routine diagnosi
TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
• Genetic and chromosomal characterization of stem cells, regular
activity for the Cell Therapy Laboratory. Demonstration of the
chromosomal stability/instability
of stem cells.
• DNA sequencing (including NGS)
• Diagnosis and patient sélection on genetic basis
RESEARCH AXES
The department of Human Genetics is involved in the genetic characterization of various human diseases including cancers and hereditary conditions. It has access to specific up to date facilities
and platforms for genetic and molecular characterization of human
or animal samples.
The Laboratory of Experimental Pathology (LEP) has extensive expertise in the field of oncology and tumor immunology as evidenced
by its number of publications this subject. In addition, the LEP is
integrated into the GIGA-Cancer and GIGA-I3 (infection, immunity and
inflammation) units of the GIGA-R (http://www.giga.ulg.ac.be) and
works in partnership with GIGA technology platforms (imaging and
cytometry, immunohistochemistry). The equipment and technical
expertise (cell culture cell isolation (CD34+, NK, DC), functional testing, molecular biology, ...) necessary to optimize culture conditions
or cell differentiation but also for immunophenotypic analysis are
available in the LEP.
RESEARCH AXES/TECHNOLOGY/SERVICES
• Immunological characterization of cells:
• Phenotype: flow cytometry and immunostaining
(in association with imaging and immunohistology platforms)
• Functional tests: production of cytokines
(ELISA, Intracytoplasmic labeling),
proliferation and cytotoxicity assays
• Cell differentiation (DC, pDC, macrophages)
• Organotypic cultures and cultures in microgravity
KEYWORDS
Phenotype, immunolabelling, culture conditions, cell differentiation, organotypic cultures
KEYWORDS
Genetics – Genomics – Chromosomes – DNA sequnecing
CONTACTS
Université de Liège
LEP | Tour de Pathologie +4, CHU Sart Tilman
4000 Liège | Belgium
Pr. Ph. Delvenne | [email protected]
Dr Jacobs | [email protected]
Dr P. Hubert | [email protected]
CONTACTS
Université de Liège
Genetics | CHU B35 | 4000 Liège
[email protected]
32
COMPANIES
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN… R…LAT…D ACTIVITI…S
PLATFORMS
PLATFORMS
sCINNAMIC - Centre for
Innovation in Medicine (CIM)
CMMI
sCINNAMIC (S.A. Centre for Innovation in Medicine) is an initiative from
the Walloon government to promote biomedical translational research
in this booming region of Belgium. Its aim is to stimulate biomedical
innovation in Wallonia and internationally by providing those services
needed to accelerate projects with high industrial potential. It will boost
the environment linking three key innovation partners: industry, clinicians and basic researchers. Through the identification, build-up and
coordination of translational projects we will provide a better future for
Wallonia, for its citizens and for its industry.
The Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging (CMMI) was created
by UMONS and ULB, thanks to the financial support of the European
Union and Wallonia (FEDER Convergence Program). The CMMI provides
an integrated and efficient preclinical biomedical imaging platform
composed of 10 research facilities having state-of-the-art equipment
and offering cutting-edge technologies for electron microscopy, holography microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, automation and quantitative cytometry, immunohistochemistry, autoradiography and in vivo imaging (optical, MRI and nuclear).
RESEARCH AXES/TECHNOLOGY/SERVICES
RESEARCH AXES/TECHNOLOGY/SERVICES
A sCINNAMIC proof of concept was launched in Liege given the
unique situation offered by the synergy of the University of Liege,
the University Hospital (CHU), its life sciences research center
(GIGA), and biotech companies all found in a single location.
Banking on the expertise of the Laboratory of Cell & Gene Therapy
(LTCG), one of its major pilot projects is in regenerative medicine.
sCINNAMIC will soon offer hosting in GMP cell and gene therapy
laboratory facilities. It will flexibly be complemented with services
ranging from regulatory to full logistical support. The focus will be
on method development including validation and up-scaling, and
on ATMP production for preclinical and clinical trials (phases I and
II). The structure has a proven track record with clients such as Cardio3 BioSciences.
• Preclinical imaging from cells to rodents (rats and mice)
• Diagnostic, pronostic and theragnostic biomarkers studies.
• Novel drugs evaluation studies
• Development and validation of contrast agents
• Monitoring of molecular and physiological processes
• Molecular Imaging of Stem Cells: monitoring of cell viability,
proliferation, differentiation, biodistribution, tumorigenicity,
and immunogenicity.
• Cell culture control using holographic microscopy
(cell fusion,..)
• Ultrastructure analyses by TEM and SEM
• Functional studies, phenotyping, cell cycle, apoptosis/nuclear
damage, transcription factor, nuclear translocation
by Imaging Flow Cytometry
• General and specific training modules in imaging techniques
KEYWORDS
Translational research, cell production, lab rental, consulting,
project management and coordination
KEYWORDS
Preclinical Imaging, SEM, TEM, holography, flow cytometry,
automation, immunohistochemistry, autoradiography, in vivo
CONTACTS
sCINNAMIC / CHU de Liège
Domaine Universitaire du Sart Tilman – B 34 | B-4000 Liège
Belgium | [email protected] | www.scinnamic.be
Stephane Berghmans, CEO | [email protected]
+32 (0)471 071 038
33
CONTACTS
Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging (CMMI)
rue Adrienne Bolland, 8 | B-6041 Gosselies | Belgium
[email protected] | www.cmmi.be
LABORATORIES
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN… R…LAT…D ACTIVITI…S
PLATFORMS
PLATFORMS
GIGA Tech Platforms
Unilab Lg - Hematology
From the organism to molecules. GIGA technology platforms gather
up-to-date technologies managed by experts who are fully dedicated
to the Platforms. All services and equipments are open to academic
researchers and private sector contributing to speeding up biomedical research, including regenerative medicine. Platforms are either
accredited (AFMPS for proteomics) or under quality control (GMP-like
platforms for SPF Mouse and Zebrafish) guaranteeing its customers
high quality services.
RESEARCH AXES/TECHNOLOGY/SERVICES
GIGA-Technology Platforms provide services ranging from to the use
of animal experimental models (Zebrafish or mouse) to the analysis of the molecule (DNA or protein). There are several mouse facilities under GLP-like requirements dedicated to different purposes:
A1, A2 and A3 biosafety levels; conventional and SPF health status
(following FELASA guidelines). On the other hand, the Zebrafish
animal facitily is ideal for both basic research studies (embryonic
development, signal transduction pathway, ...) and for applied research (screening of new molecules, toxicity tests,…). The analysis
of tissues can be done combining automated immunohistochemistry (Ventana XT, slide scanning) and Imaging platforms (eg.: Nikon
A1R, Leica SP5 AOBS). The cells can be sorted by Flow cytometry
(eg.: BD FACSCanto II) or screened using a High Content (BD Pathway). The proteins can be identified using mass spectrometry (eg.:
Q-exactive MS) on the Proteomic platform under AFMPS agreement.
Even nucleic acids can be deeply sequenced using Next Generation
sequencers (Illumina, Roche and Life Tech) and thouroughly analyzed by our Bio-IT team.
The Department of Laboratory Hematology and Immuno-Hematology is part of Unilab-Lg, which comprises laboratories of three major
disciplines, i.e., Clinical Biology, Genetics and Pathology, at Liège
University Hospital. Unilab-Lg employs more than 300 technicians,
scientists, pharmacists or physicians. A common quality assurance
platform accredited by BELAC ensures that all steps involved in laboratory data acquisition are carefully controlled. State-of-the-art technical facilities are shared among all disciplines and are available for
routine diagnosis, assay development as well as translational and
clinical research.
RESEARCH AXES/TECHNOLOGY/SERVICES
The laboratory has a strong expertise in biological characterization of cellular products, such as hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells, dendritic cells, lymphocyte subpopulations and
osteoprogenitors. The procedures involve immunophenotyping by
flow cytometry, cytokine secretion assays and clonogenic cell cultures. The laboratory also perfoms histocompatibility (HLA) typings for the matching of patient and organ or cell transplants and
is in charge of the hematological and immunological monitoring of
transplanted patients. With its Immuno-Hematology and Transfusion unit, the laboratory provides cell support of erythrocytes and
platelets for recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplants.
KEYWORDS
Immunophenotyping, cell culture, histocompatibility, transfusion,
patient monitoring, quality assurance.
KEYWORDS
CONTACTS
Genomics, proteomics, SPF Mouse facility, Zebrafish, Flow cytometry, Imaging, Immunohistochemistry
Université de Liège (CHU)
Unilab-Lg | 13, avenue de l’hopital
B-4000 | Liège | Belgium [email protected].
André Gothot / MD / PhD | T. +32 (0)4 366 75 36
F. +32 (0)4 366 73 94 | [email protected].
CONTACTS
Université de Liège (ULg)
GIGA Tech Platforms | Avenue de l’Hopital 1 B34
4000 Liège | Belgium | [email protected]
www.giga.ulg.ac.be
34
LABORATORIES
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN… R…LAT…D ACTIVITI…S
PLATFORMS
UCL - Imaging
The imaging platforms at UCL (Université catholique de Louvain) are
complementary and, thanks to cutting-edge equipments and knowhow, are offering their cross-sectional expertise to the research in
cell therapy.
RESEARCH AXES/TECHNOLOGY/SERVICES
• Structured illumination fluorescence microscopy, in vivo
bioluminescence and Doppler imaging (1)
• Vital fluorescence imaging of cells and organs, high throughput
/high resolution confocal microscopy, multiphoton microscopy,
transmission and scanning
electron microscopy (2)
• In vivo imaging by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
(RMN- 11.7 Tesla) of tissue remodeling after injection
of stem cells, oxidative stress and NO measurement
by spin-trapping ESR (3)
• In vivo imaging by Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
and Simple Photon Emission Completed Tomography (SPECT) of
genetically modified stem cells (4)
• Laser microdissection, histology and immunohistochemistry
platforms, laser capture microscopy (5)
KEYWORDS
Imaging, PET, SPECT, NMR, bioluminescence, Doppler, Confocal,
Multiphoton microscopy, Tissue remodeling, Homing
35
CONTACTS
Université catholique de Louvain
IREC imaging platform
Avenue Mounier 53 bte B1.53.09
B-1200 Brussels (Woluwe) | Belgium
[email protected]
http://sites.uclouvain.be/freeplane/IREC-Imaging-Platform.html
DDUV Imaging platform
Avenue Hippocrate 75 bte B1.75.02
B-1200 Brussels (Woluwe) | Belgium
[email protected]
www.icp.ucl.ac.be/microscopy
Magnetic resonance imaging platform
Avenue Mounier 73 bte B1.73.08
B-1200 Brussels (Woluwe) | Belgium
[email protected]
http://www.uclouvain.be/en-rema.html
Center of Molecular imaging, Radiotherapy and Oncology (MIRO)
Avenue Hippocrate 55 bte B1.55.02
B-1200 Brussles (Woluwe) | Belgium
[email protected]
www.uclouvain.be/398881.html
Anatomopathology
Avenue Hippocrate 10 bte2
B-1200 Brussels (Woluwe) | Belgium
[email protected]
ORGANISATION
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN… R…LAT…D ACTIVITI…S
TRAINING
BIOPARK FORMATION
BIOPARK Formation is the Red Biotech & Biomed Training Centre on
the BIOPARK industrial and academic campus.Its mission is to develop innovative training sessions to support the excellence of academic and industrial R&D in the field of Life Sciences. The Centre targets 3 audiences: (i) scientists, technicians and managers wishing
to keep their technical and managerial skills up to date; (ii) higher
education teachers who need to teach qualified students while meeting the needs of industry; (iii) job seekers who represent a reserve
of potential future qualified staff.
RESEARCH AXES/TECHNOLOGY/SERVICES
BIOPARK Formation supports the development of innovative advanced therapies based on cell culture by proposing specific technical, scientific and managerial training sessions approved by the
Health competitiveness cluster BioWin, eg:
• Various technological intensive hands-on trainings of short
duration;
• BIOCEL: a set of training modules oriented towards cell culture
and cell therapy in collaboration with Cefochim. Customeroriented, BIOCEL has several courses and practical training
modules, each adapted to a certain profile or function (R&D lab,
QC or production biotechnologists, managers and teachers);
• STRATEGIO: an intensive and comprehensive Strategic
Management Programme for Life Sciences Industry Executives,
in collaboration with the Solvay Brussels School.
KEYWORDS
Training, education, technical skills, managerial skills, executive
education, cell biology, cell therapy, strategic management
CONTACTS
Université Libre de Bruxelles
BIOPARK Formation | B-6041 Gosselies | Belgium
[email protected]
http://www.biopark.be/bioparkformation
36
COMPANY
R…G…N…RATIV… M…DICIN…
The LIEU network brings together the Knowledge Transfer Offices (KTOs) from Universities
and Higher Education Schools of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation in Belgium, with the aim
of optimizing their scientific and technological potential in favor of innovation and regional
development through a collective approach.
Université Libre de Bruxelles
Patrick Di Stefano, PhD
Stem cells
Technology Transfer Office
Heart Failure
Head of the Life Sciences Working Group
(HF)
Rue des Prof. Jeener et Brachet 12
6041 Gosselies | +32 (0)71 37 86 56
[email protected]
Université of Namur (FUNDP)
Facultés Universitaires
Notre-Dame de la Paix
Fabienne Roussel, PhD
Technology Transfer Office
Rue de Bruxelles 61
5000 Namur | +32 (0)81 72 57 07
[email protected]
MORE SPECIFICALLY, THE MISSIONS OF THE LIEU NETWORK ARE
• To strengthen and improve the partnership activities of the universities with their
socioeconomic environment, with the prospect of a regional development;
• To promote collaborations between the Knowledge Transfer Offices of the universities;
• To promote vocational orientation of intermediation and knowledge transfer
through training programs, the sharing of good practices and the development
of common tools;
• To play a part in the international promotion of the scientific
and technological potential of the universities;
• To take part in the European and international interface
and technology transfer networks.
The LIEU network has set up Thematic Work Groups made up of KT officers from member institutions with the aim of developing common activities in various fields: thematic
knowledge transfer, communication and technological animation, legal aspects, international relations, quality management etc.
Within that framework, it is the task of the "Life Sciences Work Group" to carry out the
specific missions of the LIEU network in relation with the Life Sciences field: it acts as the
entry point of the network.
Association des Directions des Instituts
Supérieurs Industriels Francophone
Christine Deom, MSc
Technology Transfer Office
Rue des Pieds d’Alouette 39 | 5100 Naninne
+32 (0)81 41 38 12 | [email protected]
Université Catholique de Louvain
Marlène Dubuisson, PhD
Technology Transfer Office
Place de l’Université 1
1348 Louvain-la-Neuve | +32 (0)10 47 25 42
[email protected]
Université de Mons
Marlène Genlain, PhD
Technology Transfer Office
Rue de Houdain 9 | 7000 Mons
+32 (0)65 37 47 78 | [email protected]
1
Université de Liège
Sabine Olivier, PhD
Technology Transfer Office
Avenue Pré Aily 4 | 4031 Angleur
+32 (0)4 349 85 09 | [email protected]
Design | www.hoet-heot.eu
The southern French-speaking part of Belgium is ideally
located between Northern Europe and Southern Europe.
Belgium is also neighbor to France, Germany, Luxembourg
and the Netherlands. Its small size – less than 17000 Km2 –
allows for rapid internal communication thanks to its efficient
motorway system. The two airports (in addition to the nearby
Brussels international airport) put the region less than two
hours from most European destinations, most of which are
generally accessible via low fare flights. The high speed
train line which crosses the region also places its
major cities (Charleroi, Namur and Liège) within
a 2 hour proximity to Paris, London,
Amsterdam and Frankfurt.
AMSTERDAM
THE HAGUE
ROTTERDAM
LONDON
ANTWERP
MAASTRICHT
BRUSSELS
MONS
COLOGNE
BONN
LIEGE
LILLE
CHARLEROI
NAMUR
highways
waterways
FRANKFURT
high speed train lines / TGV
airports
ports
LUXEMBOURG
PARIS
Contact us
BioWin a.s.b.l. | Point Centre | Avenue Georges Lemaître 19 | B-6041 Gosselies | Belgium
T +32 (0)71 376 386 | F + 32 (0)71 376 387 | [email protected]
visit www.biowin.org
Resp. ed. | Frédéric Druck | Director Communication & International Relations | BioWin a.s.b.l. | Point Centre | Avenue Georges Lemaître 19 | B-6041 Gosselies | Belgium
WALLONIA