Automated Droplet Generator and Droplet Reader Equipment for the use in the manufacture of gene therapy drugs/treatments for research and development, education/teaching and training.

The University of Sheffield (UoS) is establishing a new 'Gene Therapy Innovation Manufacturing Centre' (GTIMC) to advance scientific discoveries into life-changing treatments for patients with life threatening diseases. The Sheffield GTIMC will be one of three cutting edge hubs in the UK dedicated to advancing the clinical development of new genetic treatments. This facility is due to open in the Summer of 2022 and further details can be found at the following link:- https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/news/new-gene-therapy-innovation-centre-advance-scientific-discoveries-life-changing-treatments The UoS requires an Automated Droplet Generator and Droplet Reader in order to undertake this co-ordinated work in parallel to other UK site - NHS Blood and Transplant (Bristol) working on identical methods and processes. To ensure the consistency of the science and comparability of the process development and results, the same equipment needs to be purchased as the other hub at NHSBT. GTIMC and NHSBT Hubs will use the same manufacturing platform being tech transferred from Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult.