Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapies Unit

The ISMETT Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapies Unit (Cell Factory) is active since the spring of 2007. Currently the research and cell production activities focus on supporting ISMETT’s transplantation and cellular therapies programs for the treatment of end-stage organ failure. The Unit’s medium-term goal is to become a center of reference for cell production, storage and distribution, and meet the demand for cells of other Mediterranean centers starting cell therapy programs. The cell production laboratories (GMP Facility) of the Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapies Unit were created in the context of a project promoted by ISMETT and by the Sicilian Regional Commission for Budget and Finance, in the context of the program named “ICT for the Excellence of the Territories”. The funds amounting to approximately 6 million Euros allowed to build the GMP Facility and endow it with hi-tech systems and equipment, also thanks to the innovative engineering and architectural design and rigorous quality management system, allowing full compliance with the requirements laid down by good manufacturing practices (GMP) and positioning the facility at the highest levels of quality standards in the sector. Additional goals of the project are to transfer know-how and research outcomes to the business world in hi-tech allied industries and develop human capital with top level training program for young Italian researchers. The scientific excellence of research conducted here is also guaranteed by the close collaboration with our project partners and with the network of leading centers with which the Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapies Unit develops joint research projects and promotes know-how sharing and dissemination.