Foundation for Cell & Gene Medicine launched
The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM) launched an independent, non-profit foundation dedicated to researching, creating and disseminating information about gene and cell therapies.
The Foundation for Cell & Gene Medicine has commissioned a study of the macroeconomic impacts of regenerative medicines, and market research on public awareness and acceptance of gene medicines, Stewart Parker, chair of the foundation’s board, told BioCentury. Parker is the former CEO of Targeted Genetics Corp., which ceased work on gene therapy following a series of restructurings in 2008 and 2009 and a 2011 merger that formed antibiotics company AmpliPhi Biosciences Corp. (NYSE:APHB).
The Foundation will produce educational materials explaining regenerative technologies and produce briefings for journalists, payers and policymakers, Parker said. It also plans to research policy options for supporting the industrialization of gene and cell therapies, she said.
Morrie Ruffin is the Foundation’s executive director. Board members include Nicole Boice, founder and CEO of non-profit Global Genes; Alison Finger, chief commercial officer of bluebird bio Inc. (NASDAQ:BLUE); Adrian McKemey, managing director of IQVia Holdings Inc. (NYSE:IQV); Dennis Purcell, founder and senior adviser of Aisling Partners; and Brock Reeve, executive director of Harvard Stem Cell Institute.