CRL forges closer ties with Wheeler Bio for CMC services

Charles River Laboratories International has teamed with antibody CDMO Wheeler Bio in a bid to help customers move preclinical projects into first-in-human trials.

The agreement – financial terms of which were not disclosed – is focused on the supply of preclinical and early clinical supply of recombinant proteins using Wheeler’s chemistry, manufacturing and controls platform.

Julie Frearson, Charles River chief scientific officer, said “We are thrilled to provide Charles River clients with access to Wheeler’s innovative Portable CMC platform, which will optimize their workflows and ultimately bring new treatments to patients faster.”

This was echoed by Wheeler Bio CEO, Jesse McCool, who said “Wheeler is excited to expand our relationship with Charles River and to link with their discovery organization.

“By integrating discovery contract research organization (CRO) and contract development manufacturing organization (CDMO) workflows, we can speed our clients’ path to first-in-human trials, thereby achieving clinical decisions faster. Our combined sales teams look forward to co-promoting these services for the benefit of our biotech partners and their pipelines towards clinical impact.”

Combined lab

Wheeler operates the Portable CMC platform at its process development labs in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
The site also houses a CGMP facility for the production of clinical trial supplies with on-site Charles River quality control testing labs under an agreement signed in October last year.

According to a press release published at the time the lab is operated by Charles River employees who will utilize CROs quality management systems, test methods, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to support all QC testing needs for Wheeler and its third-party clients.

In addition, Wheeler operates a satellite lab in Waltham, MA that offers protein sciences and bench scale process development capabilities, all of which will be available to Charles River customers.
Charles River’s relationship with Wheeler dates back several years. In 2022, the contractor co led a series A financing round in the CDMO with Echo Investment Capital.

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