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Charles River Extends Commitment to Advanced Therapy Developers with Second Incubator Program Cohort

businesswire.com
CRL Charles River Laboratories is expanding its support for advanced therapy developers through its second incubator program cohort, indicating a positive outlook and commitment to innovation in the cell and gene therapy space.

WILMINGTON, Mass.--( BUSINESS WIRE)--Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE: CRL) today announced the second cohort of its Cell & Gene Therapy Incubator Program (CIP). Launched in December 2024, with the inaugural cohort announced in April 2025, the program provides early-stage biotechnology pioneers with access to extensive scientific and commercial expertise, as well as a comprehensive ecosystem of discovery, development, and manufacturing capabilities, to expedite the development of technologies and life-changing therapies for patients in need.

By establishing a strong foundation for commercial viability, the CIP is helping participants advance life-saving therapeutics and transform innovative ideas into real-world impact.

“The CIP’s success shows how effectively it attracts top talent and promotes innovation,” said Kerstin Dolph, Corporate Senior Vice President of Global Manufacturing, Charles River. “By establishing a strong foundation for commercial viability, the CIP is helping participants advance life-saving therapeutics and transform innovative ideas into real-world impact.”

The CIP cohort of six companies comprises four advanced therapy developers: CureAge Therapeutics, InterAct Therapeutics, Jaan Biotherapeutics, Inc., and Kopra Bio, plus two enabling technology developers: W.R. Grace & Co. (Grace), and HTLab AG’s Biowerkli. Program participants benefit from tailored mentorship, consultative regulatory and quality expertise, fit-for-purpose training initiatives, and preferential access to Charles River’s global network of facilities, curated to support cell and gene therapies from concept to cure.

Incubating Promising Drug Developers

Enabling Advanced Therapy Technologies

“The success of CIP depends on its capacity to foster a collaborative environment where early-stage companies can flourish even with limited investment opportunities,” added Kristen Eisenhauer, Corporate Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Charles River. “Through Charles River’s comprehensive concept-to-cure portfolio and guidance from proven industry leaders, participants are advancing their programs with confidence and speed.”

Cell and Gene Therapy from Concept to Cure

Committed to streamlining the development of advanced therapies from the earliest stages to commercialization, Charles River has established an industry-leading cell and gene therapy portfolio, integrating discovery and safety assessment services, biologics testing, and pre-clinical through commercial-scale manufacturing solutions.

CIP leverages this unique portfolio to help biotechnology companies jumpstart promising ideas; learn more and register your interest to participate in a future cohort.

Bringing together subject matter experts, executives, and thought leaders in the CGT space to discuss and navigate critical challenges, the Cell & Gene Therapy Summit returns to Cambridge, MA on March 26, 2026: https://bit.ly/3KjAO7S

About Charles River

Charles River provides essential products and services to help pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, government agencies and leading academic institutions around the globe accelerate their research and drug development efforts. Our dedicated employees are focused on providing clients with exactly what they need to improve and expedite the discovery, early-stage development and safe manufacture of new therapies for the patients who need them. To learn more about our unique portfolio and breadth of services, visit www.criver.com.