Objective The REACH-project is a direct result of the FP7 StemExpand project, which aimed at the expansion and engraftment of hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) for clinical use. The results of these research activities show that a novel, closed and controlled bioreactor can be developed to grow clinically relevant numbers (>400 million) of MSCs. XPand Biotechnology BV(NL) [bioreactor development, technology valorization], Aber Instruments ltd (UK)[biomass sensor] and PreSens Precision Sensing GmbH (GE) [DO, pH sensor] are three SMEs that have teamed up to develop this novel bioreactor system to a pre-commercial scale. The overall aim of the REACH project is to further develop and engineer the bioreactor (incl. valorization, testing and technical and biological validation) to a closed-system sensor-controlled bioreactor with sampling possibilities that allows for GMP-grade MSC production outside a cleanroom. The system will contain a disposable bioreactor bag with unique miniaturized disposable sensors. The DO and pH sensors use optical chemical methods capable of high frequency sampling, this ensures an enhanced stability of the expansion process. Using an expandable bioreactor the volume can be increased during cell culture, without the need for passaging of the cells. Because of this feature the system can be truly closed, without the limitations of a fixed culture substrate area. Leiden University Medical Center (NL) will validate the system and the products in a clinical setting by comparing bioreactor-expanded MSCs with GMP grade MSCs produced by established protocols in the LUMC. Successful development of this bioreactor system will be beneficial for the participating SMEs as well as the medical sector which will be able to develop cell therapies in a faster, cheaper and more efficient way. Collectively, the partners in REACH will develop an exploitation and business plan for the successful valorization of the research done in the FP7 StemExpand project. Fields of science engineering and technologyenvironmental biotechnologybioremediationbioreactorsmedical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologycells technologiesstem cellsengineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensorsagricultural sciencesagricultural biotechnologybiomass Programme(s) FP7-HEALTH - Specific Programme "Cooperation": Health Topic(s) HEALTH.2013.0-1 - Boosting the translation of health research projects' results into innovative applications for health Call for proposal FP7-HEALTH-2013-INNOVATION-2 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme CP-FP - Small or medium-scale focused research project Coordinator ACADEMISCH ZIEKENHUIS LEIDEN EU contribution € 1 123 915,20 Address ALBINUSDREEF 2 2333 ZA Leiden Netherlands See on map Region West-Nederland Zuid-Holland Agglomeratie Leiden en Bollenstreek Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Brigitte Wieles (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Participants (3) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all KUROS BIOSCIENCES BV Netherlands EU contribution € 2 365 211,69 Address PROFESSOR BRONKHORSTLAAN 10 G 48 3723 MB Bilthoven See on map Region West-Nederland Utrecht Utrecht Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Administrative Contact Joost De Bruijn (Prof.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data ABER INSTRUMENTS LIMITED United Kingdom EU contribution € 478 359,73 Address SCIENCE PARK UNIT 5 CEFN LLAN SY23 3AH ABERSYSTWYTH See on map Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Administrative Contact Matthew Lee (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data PRESENS PRECISION SENSING GMBH Germany EU contribution € 1 044 640,40 Address AM BIOPARK 11 93053 Regensburg See on map Region Bayern Oberpfalz Regensburg, Kreisfreie Stadt Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Administrative Contact Gernot John (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data