The Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities, Diana Morant, and theCatalan Minister for Research and Universities, Núria Montserrat, visited Hospital Clínic‑IDIBAPS today to learn first-hand about the research lines and infrastructures dedicated to the development of advanced therapies. This field is strategic for Clínic‑IDIBAPS, which has been a pioneer in developing cell‑based immunotherapies such as the CART products ARI0001 and ARI0002h.
The visit forms part of the rollout of the national CERTERA programme (the National Networked Consortium for the Development of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products), launched by the Spanish Government to strengthen research and manufacturing capacity for these therapies. The Clínic Campus facilities will provide scientific and technological support to this national network.
A visit to explore the Clínic‑IDIBAPS model in depth
During the visit, the Minister and the Catalan Minister held a working meeting with representatives from the Clínic and IDIBAPS, led by the Hospital Clínic’s General Director, Josep M. Campistol, and the Director of IDIBAPS, Susana Puig. The meeting focused on how Clínic‑IDIBAPS can contribute to the development of advanced therapies at both national and international levels.
The visit also included a tour of areas currently undergoing expansion, which will strengthen the centre’s research and manufacturing capacity in the coming years.
Visit to the research and manufacturing areas
Diana Morant and Núria Montserrat visited several areas of Clínic‑IDIBAPS dedicated to research and the development of advanced therapies. These facilities include research laboratories, specialised scientific platforms and manufacturing areas equipped to produce highly complex medicines under strict quality and safety standards.
They also visited the ongoing construction of the expanded facilities linked to the CERTERA programme, as well as the specialised manufacturing areas, designed to produce advanced therapy medicinal products according to required standards before they are administered to patients.
The close proximity of research, manufacturing and clinical care areas enables a bedside production model, a distinctive feature of Clínic‑IDIBAPS.
A benchmark in cell‑based immunotherapy
Campus Clínic has established a robust academic model for the development of advanced therapies, the result of more than two decades of experience in immunology, molecular biology and GMP manufacturing. More than 300 professionals from the Campus contribute to this activity. Among the key projects are:
- ARI0001, the first academic CART authorised by the Spanish Medicines Agency (AEMPS) in Europe,
- ARI0002h, a CART for multiple myeloma,
- and several research lines exploring new cell‑based immunotherapies.
This track record positions Clínic‑IDIBAPS as a key player in the implementation of CERTERA and as a strategic hub for advanced therapy research and production in Spain.
