A major new research partnership was launched in late October 2025, marking another step forward in Ireland’s leadership in advanced therapeutics. Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, announced a €2 million co-funded investment by Research Ireland and APC to support TRANS-AM (Transformation of Advanced Medicines Manufacture) – a five-year collaborative research project that aims to revolutionize the production and analysis of advanced biotherapeutics.

Led by Professor Niall Barron, Principal Investigator at NIBRT, the TRANS-AM project brings together experts from NIBRT, University College Dublin (UCD), and APC to address key challenges in the manufacturing of advanced medicines. The consortium will explore novel approaches to enhance the vector production process, improve efficiency, and develop cost-effective and scalable solutions for the next generation of cell and gene therapies.

To mark the occasion, Minister Lawless visited APC’s Cherrywood facility, where he commended the collaborative effort between APC Ltd, NIBRT, UCD, and Research Ireland. The initiative reflects Ireland’s growing influence in biopharmaceutical innovation – uniting world-class expertise in science, engineering, and manufacturing to accelerate the delivery of life-changing medicines to patients.

At APC and VLE Therapeutics, the focus remains on bridging the gap between research and GMP-scale manufacture, ensuring that scientific breakthroughs can transition efficiently into clinical and commercial use.

The TRANS-AM partnership underscores Ireland’s commitment to advancing biotherapeutic manufacturing and expanding global access to innovative therapies – making advanced medicines more accessible, affordable, and transformative for patients worldwide.