As Üsküdar University, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed with Sartorius, an international leader in the life sciences and biopharmaceutical sectors. Projects under this protocol encompass education, R&D, and production, and their scientific leadership will be undertaken by Dr. Cihan Taştan, Director of Üsküdar University's Transgenic Cell Technologies Application and Research Center (TRGENMER) and NPCELLAB Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) Biotechnology Director. This initiative aims to establish a pioneering biotechnology center in Turkey, increase the production of high-value-added biotechnological products, and offer new opportunities for young researchers.
Üsküdar University Founding Rector Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan stated that this university-industry collaboration will significantly facilitate the domestic production of gene therapies, stem cell therapies, cellular therapies, and smart drugs, summarizing his words with the statement, “Our goal is to develop smart therapies.” The protocol was officially signed in the Rector's office with the participation of representatives from both institutions.
Among those who attended the signing ceremony were; Dr. Cihan Taştan (NPCELLAB ATMPs Biotechnology Director and TRGENMER Director), Dr. Érica Schulze (Sartorius Business Development and Strategic Partnerships Manager), Youssef Gaabouri (Sartorius MEA Sales Director), Peter Holl (BPS Sales EMEA Director), Dr. Nargisse El Hajjami (Business Development and Strategic Partnerships EMEA Director), Uğur Yaka (Sartorius Turkey General Manager), Başak Karadağ (Sartorius Turkey Field Account Manager), Muhammet Yılancı (NPCELLAB ATMPs Biotechnology Responsible Manager), Beyza Aydın (NPCELLAB ATMPs Biotechnology R&D Specialist) and Raife Dilek Turan (NPCELLAB ATMPs Biotechnology Quality Assurance Specialist).
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan emphasized that this memorandum of understanding with Sartorius, a globally recognized leader in bioprocess solutions and life science technologies that supports research and production in the fields of biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, cell and gene therapy, is a significant step for both the university and the national biotechnology ecosystem.
Prof. Tarhan continued, saying, “This collaboration holds special importance for the development of personalized treatment techniques and the domestic production of innovative biopharmaceuticals. More importantly, we aim to ensure the seamless and efficient production of gene therapies, stem cell-based therapies, cellular therapies, and smart drugs through university-industry synergy. This strategic knowledge-sharing agreement signed today is a very significant step. I wish it to be beneficial for our country and the global scientific community, and I congratulate everyone who contributed.”
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Cihan Taştan expressed his pride in contributing to Turkey's development as a biotechnology center in the field of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) within the scope of this collaboration protocol with Sartorius.
Dr. Taştan stated, “This collaboration represents a holistic and integrated development model encompassing education, production, research, and clinical applications. Through the GMP-certified NPCELLAB ATMPs Biotechnology laboratory to be established within our university and the TRGENMER R&D and Product Development laboratories, we are undertaking a critical responsibility in the development and production of gene and cell-based therapies. This vision, strengthened by Sartorius's global expertise and technological capacity, will make a significant contribution to both the national health system and the international scientific community.”
Scientific Leadership and Expanding Research Opportunities
The scientific leadership of the projects to be carried out within the scope of this collaboration will be undertaken by Dr. Cihan Taştan, who is also the Director of NPCELLAB Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) Biotechnology and TRGENMER. With the signing of this protocol, Üsküdar University aims to significantly expand the research and development opportunities offered to young scientists and strengthen Turkey's position as a producer of high-value-added technologies in the field of health sciences.