InnovaVector

InnovaVector is a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specializing in adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors for the gene therapy industry. Founded in 2020 as a spin-off from the Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM) in Naples, Italy, the company commercializes over two decades of research and development experience in AAV manufacturing. The company was founded by Professor Alberto Auricchio, a prominent researcher in gene therapy for retinal and metabolic diseases, who serves as a shareholder and consultant.

The firm was established to address the significant bottleneck in the gene therapy sector: the limited availability of GMP-grade vectors required for clinical trials. InnovaVector provides an end-to-end service portfolio that supports clients from the initial discovery and research phases through to process development, tech transfer, and GMP manufacturing for Phase I/II clinical trials. Its offerings include plasmid cloning, research-grade AAV production, characterization and quality control, stability studies, and QP release for clinical batches. The business model is centered on providing these specialized manufacturing and development services to pharmaceutical and biotech companies, thereby generating revenue through service contracts. The company operates from a new GMP facility in Pozzuoli (Naples), which became operational in 2023.

InnovaVector leverages proprietary intellectual property developed in cooperation with TIGEM, including specific plasmids, cell banks, and manufacturing platforms for a wide range of AAV serotypes. This foundation allows the company to optimize AAV production processes for its clients, helping them advance their therapeutic candidates from the laboratory to clinical application. The company received significant initial financial support of €8.47 million through the European Investment Bank to establish its operations and GMP facility.

Keywords: AAV vectors, gene therapy, CDMO, GMP manufacturing, viral vectors, clinical trials, process development, quality control, cell and gene therapy, TIGEM, Alberto Auricchio, AAV production, non-clinical, clinical manufacturing, plasmid cloning, analytical development, stability studies, tech transfer, biopharmaceutical services