Introduction - Vector Development Laboratory

The Vector Development Laboratory (VDL/ Vector Lab) is situated within the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy (the Center/ CAGT), at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM). The mission of the Center is to develop and implement novel cellular and gene-based treatments for a variety of diseases. Gene transfer vectors provide investigators important research tools in studies of gene function. They can make gene delivery easy and efficient in a number of models of disease. To these ends, the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy established a specialized Vector Development Laboratory (VDL). The VDL was established to function as a preclinical service and GLP manufacturing facility for gene therapy vectors for the CAGT. In addition, the CAGT also houses a Vector Production Facility which operates under current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) guidelines. This facility is a designated National Gene Vector Laboratory for manufacturing adenovirus vectors. There are also designated areas for the production of therapeutic grade monoclonal antibodies and plasmids. Center investigators currently hold 19 INDs for cell and gene therapy. The resources of the VDL are available to every investigator at Baylor/TMC as well as to outside investigators. Since its inception in 1999, the VDL has manufactured or provided approximately 600 new gene therapy vectors and services for more than 350 different investigators from both academic and industry research facilities, worldwide. Further approximately 35% of all investigators using VDL services are repeat customers.

Expertise in all current vector systems is provided by a group of experienced investigators, dedicated to the production of viral vectors for use in basic research. Because vectors are prepared to Good Laboratory Practice standards, these agents, and the preclinical data generated from their use, can be valuable in the later development of clinical trials in gene therapy.

The Vector Development Laboratory will provide comprehensive service in the design, creation, production, and analysis of almost all vectors currently in clinical or pre-clinical use. To help investigators chose the optimum vector system for their proposed application, the VDL has available many different "off the shelf" vectors containing a range of marker genes.

At the Vector Development Laboratory, we understand that many of the investigators utilizing our vectors are not experts in the vectorology field. Because of this, we commit to advise you on how to use the vectors, troubleshoot problems and answer any questions you may have.

We also strive to produce vectors at the lowest possible cost. We operate as a non-profit core facility so the price of the vectors and any associated testing are provided to you at cost, meaning we do not charge anything above and beyond what is costs us to produce the vectors or complete a service request.



	Introduction / Contacts / Facility Introduction The Vector Development Laboratory (VDL/ Vector Lab) is situated within the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy (the Center/ CAGT), at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM). The mission of the Center is to develop and implement novel cellular and gene-based treatments for a variety of diseases. Gene transfer vectors provide investigators important research tools in studies of gene function. They can make gene delivery easy and efficient in a number of models of disease. To these ends, the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy established a specialized Vector Development Laboratory (VDL). The VDL was established to function as a preclinical service and GLP manufacturing facility for gene therapy vectors for the CAGT. In addition, the CAGT also houses a Vector Production Facility which operates under current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) guidelines. This facility is a designated National Gene Vector Laboratory for manufacturing adenovirus vectors. There are also designated areas for the production of therapeutic grade monoclonal antibodies and plasmids. Center investigators currently hold 19 INDs for cell and gene therapy. The resources of the VDL are available to every investigator at Baylor/TMC as well as to outside investigators. Since its inception in 1999, the VDL has manufactured or provided approximately 600 new gene therapy vectors and services for more than 350 different investigators from both academic and industry research facilities, worldwide. Further approximately 35% of all investigators using VDL services are repeat customers. Expertise in all current vector systems is provided by a group of experienced investigators, dedicated to the production of viral vectors for use in basic research. Because vectors are prepared to Good Laboratory Practice standards, these agents, and the preclinical data generated from their use, can be valuable in the later development of clinical trials in gene therapy. The Vector Development Laboratory will provide comprehensive service in the design, creation, production, and analysis of almost all vectors currently in clinical or pre-clinical use. To help investigators chose the optimum vector system for their proposed application, the VDL has available many different "off the shelf" vectors containing a range of marker genes. At the Vector Development Laboratory, we understand that many of the investigators utilizing our vectors are not experts in the vectorology field. Because of this, we commit to advise you on how to use the vectors, troubleshoot problems and answer any questions you may have. We also strive to produce vectors at the lowest possible cost. We operate as a non-profit core facility so the price of the vectors and any associated testing are provided to you at cost, meaning we do not charge anything above and beyond what is costs us to produce the vectors or complete a service request.
	CAGT Home \| BCM Home \| Privacy Notices ©2002, CAGT Vector Development Laboratory, Baylor College of Medicine One Baylor Plaza, N1010, Houston, TX 77030, (713)798-1238 URL: http://vector.bcm.tmc.edu Email:vector@bcm.tmc.edu (Modified: February 19, 2009 FC)