Laboratory for Cell Therapy

The laboratory for Cell Therapy (formerly known as the Stem Cell Laboratory) of Sanquin blood supply started its activities in 1979 and is positioned within the Research division of Sanquin to benefit optimally from the scientific environment. The Laboratory serves both academic and non-academic hospitals and is actively involved in the development of new (stem) cell products for clinical trials. This JACIE accredited Laboratory (since 2007) processes approximately 200 allogeneic and autologous transplants on a yearly basis for the local hospitals. In our new GMP facility that is operational since the beginning of 2012, we offer the infrastructure with multiple opportunities for translational research in the field of cellular therapies. We have extensive experience with the processing, cryopreservation and storage of hematopoietic stem cell products and are equipped to offer tailor-made solutions for the generation of cellular products for clinical trials. In 2014 the LCT obtained a GMP license that enabled us to start the production of Advanced Therapy Medicinal products(ATMPs) for current clinical trials on experimental cellular therapies. Dr C. Voermans is heading the facility, dr Patrick Burger is the project-leader cellular therapies. Currently 7.5 fte technical staff is involved in both processing the hematopoietic stem cell transplants, producing ATMP and the development of new cellular products.