Planning

Batch manufacture of high titer/titre GMP (U.S.A.) compliant lentiviral vector for FDA approval

UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

29 Jul 2025 at 00:00

Summary of the contracting process

The University of Edinburgh is planning a procurement process for the batch manufacture of high titre GMP-compliant lentiviral vectors intended for FDA approval. This process supports a phase I/II clinical trial targeting a rare genetic disease. The project falls under the education industry category and is located in Edinburgh, UK, though the product is to be delivered to the University of California, Los Angeles, USA. Currently in the planning stage, the procurement notice highlights a contract duration of three years, starting with an initial delivery expected within 12 months post-signature. The opportunity anticipates a contract value of approximately GBP 900,000 with potential options for additional deliveries. Interested parties should note that the process will follow the Negotiated Procedure Without Prior Call for Competition, allowing flexibility in procurement timelines.

This tender offers significant opportunities for businesses experienced in biopharmaceutical production, particularly those specialising in GMP-compliant lentiviral vectors. Firms with extensive expertise in meeting FDA regulations and manufacturing for clinical trials would be well-suited to compete. The University of Edinburgh requires a supplier that is not only capable of handling production but also ensures rigorous quality control and logistical delivery to UCLA. A successful bid must demonstrate a proven track record of securing numerous regulatory approvals for similar projects. Additionally, suppliers should be capable of direct manufacturing engagements, as intermediary bids from resellers or distributors are not acceptable. This is an enticing opportunity for companies seeking to expand their footprint in the biomedical sector, with the option for extending contract deliverables over the duration of the agreement.

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Notice Title

Batch manufacture of high titer/titre GMP (U.S.A.) compliant lentiviral vector for FDA approval

Notice Description

We are planning a phase I/II clinical trial to treat a rare genetic disease that causes progressive dementia in children. Our therapy will use autologous CD34+ haematopoietic stem progenitor cells (HSPCs) which are modified ex vivo with LVV to express supraphysiologic levels of a secreted enzyme. In order to progress this therapy, we require a high titre LVV produced to good manufacturing practice (GMP) standard. The supplier must have extensive previous experience manufacturing LVVs to this specification which have achieved regulatory approval for phase I/II clinical trials, ideally for use in human CD34+ HSPC transduction. The QC defined must be performed in compliance with FDA regulations. The product of the initial delivery will be delivered directly to the University of California, LA, USA. Note that throughout the document the British spelling 'Titre' has been used; this is analogous to the American English term 'Titer' and the spellings may be used interchangeably. The University anticipates initially awarding for; - Manufacture of concentrated lentiviral vector (LVV) from a 30L viral harvest - Such award to include any warranties on quality, product replacement (for spoilage), transport, and other supplier project costs such as (but not limited to) quality control testing and audit. The cost estimate of the procurement reflects the anticipated cost of the initial requirement plus contingency, for (for example but not limited to), 1. Scope extension, 2. Additional ad-hoc delivery to support further trials. The time frame of the agreement - 3 years, reflects an initial delivery period expected to be no longer than 12 months post signature, and the option to buy additional deliveries for two years thereafter. The University may award additional deliveries to the awarded supplier via the Negotiated Procedure Without Prior Call for Competition. For transparency we have a budget appetite of approximately USD560k for the delivery of the initial services. We may review this estimate from time to time. Having posted this notice we reserve the right to repost any subsequent notice (including if the ultimate procurement procedure is re-run) under reduced timescales as set out in the regulations.

Lot Information

Lot 1

DEFINITIONS FDA is the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA); the regulator for new clinical drugs GMP means 'Good Manufacturing Practice'; U.S.A. IND is an "Investigational New Drug Application"; a request to the FDA to be permitted to administer a new prototype drug on human patients for research purposes Lentiviral vector (LVV) is a type of virus (retrovirus) that inserts its DNA into the cells of the organism/person it infects. Plasmid is a small DNA molecule which stores non-chromosomal DNA. Must-have capabilities - Able to produce a 30L harvest of unconcentrated LVV-containing supernatant following transduction of 293T cells from a certified Master Cell Bank with genome and packaging plasmids supplied by the University - Able to concentrate this supernatant by a factor of approx. 100-200x to produce a concentrated high titre LVV - The supplier must have extensive prior experience of such manufacture and have achieved numerous regulatory approvals for use of their LVV products in phase I/II clinical trials. This is critical to ensure there is confidence that the supplier product will be acceptable and well-received for regulatory approval. o 10 years prior experience of manufacturing GMP-compliant LVV products o Achieved minimum of 50 prior regulatory approvals (ideally FDA) of GMP-compliant LVV products - Supplied should follow all relevant legislation applicable to this engagement including in their location/s of manufacture, and the State of California, USA - The supplier should demonstrate a manufacturing process which is compliant with GMP and that gives high confidence of their ability to deliver a high quality, compliant, product. - For the purposes of greater transparency, collaboration and regulatory traceability and accountability we require a direct relationship with the manufacturing entity/lead and therefore bids proposed by an entity acting solely as a reseller/distributor will unfortunately not be acceptable for this requirement. It is our expectation that the bidder undertakes the manufacturing; however other functions like Quality Control may be undertaken by subcontractors providing that the bidder takes full ultimate responsibility for delivery of the contract. - The supplier should demonstrate a reasonable and practicable solution for logistical delivery of the product. - For transparency we have a budget appetite of approximately USD560k for the delivery of the initial services. We may review this estimate from time to time. Desirable criteria - It is desirable that the supplier can complete end to end delivery of initial requirement (including manufacture, quality control and regulatory pack preparation), within 12 months or faster from contract signature. Fast delivery times are desirable for the project. - It is desirable that the supplier takes full accountability for the transport of the product from the site of manufacture to UCLA. Quality control ('QC'); This will require comprehensive GMP compliance QC to be performed: Supplier will be required to provide details of the GMP-compliant manufacturing process Intellectual property For avoidance of doubt; the intellectual property ("IP") the University provides during the project in relation to the product specification will remain vested in the University and its licensors and nothing in the awarded contract shall constitute granting a license, creating a joint endeavour, creating joint IP, or otherwise constituting a license or transfer of IP to the Supplier, that would entitle the Supplier to take any action utilising that IP beyond the bounds of the Services which will be agreed between the University and Supplier pursuant of this tender.

Options: The time frame of the agreement - 3 years, reflects an initial delivery period expected to be no longer than 12 months post signature, and the option to buy additional deliveries for two years thereafter. The University may award additional deliveries to the awarded supplier via the Negotiated Procedure Without Prior Call for Competition.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-r6ebe6-0000805717
Publication Source
Public Contracts Scotland
Latest Notice
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUL535723
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
OJEU - F1 - Prior Information Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

85 - Health and social work services


CPV Codes

85121200 - Medical specialist services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£900,000 £500K-£1M
Lots Value
£900,000 £500K-£1M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
29 Jul 20256 months ago
Submission Deadline
31 Jul 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
30 Jul 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH
Contact Name
Katie
Contact Email
katie.lee@ed.ac.uk
Contact Phone
+44 1316502759

Buyer Location

Locality
EDINBURGH
Postcode
EH1 1HT
Post Town
Edinburgh
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM1 East Central Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM13 City of Edinburgh
Delivery Location
TLM75 City of Edinburgh

Local Authority
City of Edinburgh
Electoral Ward
City Centre
Westminster Constituency
Edinburgh East and Musselburgh

Further Information

Notice Documents

  • https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUL535723
    Batch manufacture of high titer/titre GMP (U.S.A.) compliant lentiviral vector for FDA approval - We are planning a phase I/II clinical trial to treat a rare genetic disease that causes progressive dementia in children. Our therapy will use autologous CD34+ haematopoietic stem progenitor cells (HSPCs) which are modified ex vivo with LVV to express supraphysiologic levels of a secreted enzyme. In order to progress this therapy, we require a high titre LVV produced to good manufacturing practice (GMP) standard. The supplier must have extensive previous experience manufacturing LVVs to this specification which have achieved regulatory approval for phase I/II clinical trials, ideally for use in human CD34+ HSPC transduction. The QC defined must be performed in compliance with FDA regulations. The product of the initial delivery will be delivered directly to the University of California, LA, USA. Note that throughout the document the British spelling 'Titre' has been used; this is analogous to the American English term 'Titer' and the spellings may be used interchangeably. The University anticipates initially awarding for; - Manufacture of concentrated lentiviral vector (LVV) from a 30L viral harvest - Such award to include any warranties on quality, product replacement (for spoilage), transport, and other supplier project costs such as (but not limited to) quality control testing and audit. The cost estimate of the procurement reflects the anticipated cost of the initial requirement plus contingency, for (for example but not limited to), 1. Scope extension, 2. Additional ad-hoc delivery to support further trials. The time frame of the agreement - 3 years, reflects an initial delivery period expected to be no longer than 12 months post signature, and the option to buy additional deliveries for two years thereafter. The University may award additional deliveries to the awarded supplier via the Negotiated Procedure Without Prior Call for Competition. For transparency we have a budget appetite of approximately USD560k for the delivery of the initial services. We may review this estimate from time to time. Having posted this notice we reserve the right to repost any subsequent notice (including if the ultimate procurement procedure is re-run) under reduced timescales as set out in the regulations.

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