Üsküdar University and Sartorius Sign Memorandum of Understanding With Focus on Immunotherapy and Gene-Based Treatments

Üsküdar University is proud to announce the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sartorius, an international leader in the life science and biopharmaceutical industry. The projects under this MoU encompass education, R&D, and production, and will be scientifically led by Dr. Cihan Taştan, Director of the Transgenic Cell Technologies Application and Research Center (TRGENMER) at Üsküdar University. The initiative seeks to establish a pioneering biotechnology hub in Türkiye, enhance the production of high value-added biotechnological products, and expand opportunities for young researchers.

Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, President of Üsküdar University, stated that this university-industry collaboration will significantly facilitate the local production of gene therapies, stem cell therapies, cellular treatments, and smart drugs. He summarized by stating, “We aim to develop smart therapeutics.” The MoU was officially signed at the Rector’s Office with the participation of key stakeholders from both institutions.

Among the attendees of the signing ceremony were Dr. Cihan Taştan (Biotechnology Director at NPCELLAB ATMP and Director of TRGENMER), Dr. Érica Schulze (Business Development and Strategic Partnerships Manager at Sartorius), Youssef Gaabouri (Sales Director, Sartorius MEA), Peter Holl (Head of BPS Sales EMEA), Dr. Nargisse El Hajjami (Head of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships EMEA), Uğur Yaka (General Manager, Sartorius Türkiye), Başak Karadağ (Field Account Manager Sartorius Türkiye), Muhammet Yılancı (Responsible Manager, NPCELLAB ATMP Biotechnology), Beyza Aydın (R&D Coordinator, NPCELLAB ATMP Biotechnology), Raife Dilek Turan (Quality Assurance Supervisor, NPCELLAB ATMP Biotechnology).

Prof. Nevzat Tarhan emphasized that this MuO agreement with Sartorius, a globally recognized, leader in bioprocess solutions and life science technologies that supports research and manufacturing in biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, and cell and gene therapy, is a crucial step forward for both the university and the national biotechnology ecosystem.

"This collaboration holds particular significance for the development of personalized therapeutic techniques and the domestic production of innovative biopharmaceuticals," Prof. Tarhan noted. "More importantly, we aim to enable the seamless and effective production of gene therapies, stem cell-based therapies, cellular treatments, and smart drugs through university-industry synergy. The strategic knowledge-sharing agreement signed today marks a vital step forward. I wish it to be beneficial for our country and the global scientific community and extend my congratulations to everyone involved."

During the signing ceremony, Dr. Cihan Taştan expressed his pride in contributing to the advancement of Türkiye as a biotechnology hub in the field of ATMPs through this MuO agreement with Sartorius. 

"This collaboration presents a holistic and integrated development model encompassing education, production, research, and clinical application. Through the GMP-certified NPCELLAB ATMP Biotechnology laboratory and the TRGENMER R&D and Product Development labs established within our university, we are assuming a critical responsibility in the development and production of gene- and cell-based therapies. This vision, enhanced by the global expertise and technological capacity provided by Sartorius, will bring significant value to both the national healthcare system and the international scientific community,” he stated.

Scientific Leadership and Expanded Research Opportunities

The scientific leadership of the projects initiated within this collaboration will be undertaken by Dr. Cihan Taştan, who also serves as Director of NPCELLAB ATMP GMP and TRGENMER. Through signing the MoU, Üsküdar University aims to significantly expand the research and development opportunities available to early-career scientists and contribute to Türkiye’s position as a producer of high value-added technologies in health sciences.