Oslo University Hospital Partners with SCTbio to Accelerate CAR-T Innovation in Solid Tumors
Prague, Czech Republic & Oslo, Norway – July 29, 2025
SCTbio, a leading CDMO specializing in cell-based manufacturing, has announced a new partnership with Oslo University Hospital (OUH) to advance a next-generation CAR-T cell therapy targeting STEAP1—a tumor-associated antigen highly expressed in prostate cancer and Ewing sarcoma.
The collaboration, led by Prof. Jon Amund Kyte and his team at OUH, aims to tackle one of oncology’s most complex challenges: effective CAR-T therapies for solid tumors. SCTbio will provide GMP-grade gamma retroviral vectors to support the production of genetically modified CAR-T cells for preclinical and early clinical studies.
Key Highlights of the Collaboration:
→ High-value target: STEAP1 is expressed in approximately 90% of prostate cancers and is also prevalent in Ewing sarcoma, making it an attractive and tumor-specific target for CAR-T therapy.
→ Academic excellence meets manufacturing expertise: OUH’s breakthrough research is backed by SCTbio’s GMP manufacturing capabilities, creating a powerful bridge from discovery to clinical impact.
→ Foundation for future growth: This initiative represents the first step in a broader strategic alliance with the Oslo University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Centre (OUS-CCC), focused on long-term innovation in cell and gene therapy.
→ Expanded supply chain capabilities: SCTbio will partner with JAFRAL, a leading plasmid manufacturer based in Slovenia, to source both Research Use only and GMP-grade plasmids, further strengthening its upstream supply chain and ensuring high-quality materials for vector production.
“We’re proud to support the OUH team in developing this potentially game-changing CAR-T therapy,” said Luděk Sojka, CEO of SCTbio. “It highlights our ongoing commitment to advancing novel treatments and empowering academic innovators with the infrastructure needed to translate science into impact.”
“This partnership with SCTbio enhances our ability to bring promising cell therapies to patients faster,” added Dr. Kyte. “Their vector expertise is a key piece of the puzzle.”
About SCTbio
SCTbio is a global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) specializing in advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs), with deep expertise in viral vector production and autologous cell-based therapies. With over a decade of experience, SCTbio provides fully integrated, end-to-end services—from process development and GMP manufacturing to quality control, regulatory support, and international logistics.
What sets SCTbio apart is its ability to scale complex therapies with precision and speed, backed by one of the largest integrated apheresis collection networks in Europe, spanning over 100 sites across the EU. This powerful infrastructure enables seamless patient-to-product workflows and accelerates clinical and commercial readiness for cell therapy innovators.
SCTbio is part of the PPF Biotech group. Learn more at www.sctbio.com.
About Oslo University Hospital (OUH)
Oslo University Hospital is Scandinavia’s largest medical institution, delivering over 1.2 million patient treatments annually. As Norway’s leading center for hospital-based research, OUH conducts 60% of all medical research in the country and is affiliated with the University of Oslo. It houses the internationally accredited Oslo University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Centre (OUS‑CCC), recognized for integrating cutting-edge cancer research, education, and multidisciplinary care. With over 24,000 employees and a legacy of medical excellence, OUH plays a central role in advancing innovation across Europe’s healthcare and academic landscape. The STEAP1 CAR T cell trial will be conducted by the OUH Department of Clinical Cancer Research (https://cancertrials.no/index.php/english/frontpage; ~80 ongoing clinical studies) which comprises a dedicated Phase I/II Trial Unit with special expertise in immune-oncology.
For more information about OUH, please visit https://www.oslo-universitetssykehus.no/en/.
Media contact:
Richard Kapsa
T: +420 224 174 448
M: M: +420 725 736 310
E: [email protected]
Business contact:
Pascale Charbonnel
Chief Business Officer
M: +420 720 029 922
E: [email protected]
