Bio-Techne Fuels Pediatric Oncology Innovations with $375K G-Rex Grants for Cell Therapy

Bio-Techne Drives Innovation in Pediatric Oncology with G-Rex Grants

Bio-Techne Corporation plays a significant role in advancing cell and gene therapy initiatives, particularly in pediatric oncology, through its partnership with ScaleReady and Wilson Wolf Manufacturing. On October 23, 2025, these organizations announce the allocation of four G-Rex Grants, totaling $375,000, to faculty members at Children’s National Hospital. This funding aims to enhance various aspects of cell therapy, showcasing Bio-Techne’s commitment to pioneering innovations in medical treatments for children. The grants are designed to facilitate the development of cost-effective and scalable production techniques, which are crucial for translating laboratory research into viable patient therapies.

Dr. Patrick Hanley, a key recipient of the grants, receives $100,000 to focus on creating a more economical CAR-T cell manufacturing process using G-Rex technology. This initiative is vital as it aims to lower the costs associated with CAR-T therapies, making them more accessible to pediatric patients. In collaboration with Dr. Michael Keller, Dr. Hanley secures an additional $150,000 to enhance Virus Specific T cell (VST) and Tumor Antigen Associated T cell (TAAT) manufacturing. Utilizing the G-Rex "M" series bioreactors, which are designed to reduce production touchpoints, this project not only optimizes the efficiency of the manufacturing process but also ensures higher quality and reliability in the production of these critical therapies.

Furthering the impact of this initiative, Dr. Amy Hont is awarded $75,000 to develop a closed system G-Rex manufacturing process tailored for the innovative ATTACK TAAT cell therapy targeting solid tumors. Dr. Conrad Russell Cruz also receives $50,000 to optimize CAR-modified TAAT cell manufacturing. These projects reflect a broader trend within Bio-Techne to leverage advanced biotechnological solutions to address complex medical challenges. As emphasized by Wilson Wolf CEO John Wilson, the collaborative effort underscores the importance of supporting groundbreaking advancements in pediatric oncology, ultimately aiming to improve the lives of young patients.

The G-Rex Grant Program has now surpassed $40 million in no-cost product commitments, with individual grants reaching up to $300,000. Recipients not only benefit from funding but also gain access to ScaleReady's extensive consortium of partners, which provides invaluable expertise in areas such as cGMP manufacturing and quality assurance. This structured support fosters a conducive environment for innovation in cell and gene-modified therapies, reinforcing Bio-Techne's position as a leader in the biotech industry. As these projects progress, they hold the potential to redefine treatment paradigms for pediatric oncology, bridging the gap between laboratory advancements and clinical application.