Gene Therapy Training Network (GTTN) and Instructional Transfer Platform (ITP)

Performance Period: 11/1/2019 to 10/31/2021

Despite the growth in gene therapy, there are limited opportunities for training in the area of gene therapy vector manufacturing. This project seeks to change that by developing the Gene Therapy Training Network (GTTN). The network will enable development of courses related to gene therapy, transfer of these courses to other institutions within the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL), and standardization of course content and curriculum for professionals.

To initiate the network, the Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC) at North Carolina (NC) State University will transfer its course on vector manufacturing, Hands-On cGMP Biomanufacturing of Vectors for Gene Therapy, to the National Center for Therapeutics Manufacturing at Texas A&M University. (This course was developed by BTEC under a previous NIIMBL-funded) The two institutions will then work collaboratively to build a technology transfer protocol and model for instructional sharing that can be used to support transfer of other courses within the GTTN and the larger NIIMBL community.

By facilitating collaboration and sharing of curriculum across higher education institutions, the GTTN offers tremendous value. This is especially true for gene therapy, as course content in the field is still under development by educators.