New hope for patients with rare diseases. The CREATIC Center of Excellence has opened state-of-the-art facilities for the development of modern therapies

For patients with rare and serious diseases, the path to effective treatment is often long, uncertain, and dependent on access to highly specialized technologies. Modern cell and gene therapies represent one of the fastest-growing areas of contemporary medicine. The newly opened facilities of the CREATIC Centre of Excellence at the Faculty of Medicine of Masaryk University aim to significantly shorten this path and make innovative treatment approaches more accessible to patients in the Czech Republic and across the wider Central European region.

“As Rector, I am pleased when large-scale projects meet all deadlines and commitments — it is not always easy. As a former Dean, I am proud that the Faculty of Medicine of Masaryk University has established CREATIC and continues to open itself to the world and to excellence. I firmly believe this is the right direction for development. But most of all, as a physician and a human being, I am glad that the centre aims to improve the lives of those who truly need it — patients suffering from very rare diseases,” says Martin Bareš, Rector of Masaryk University.

The opening of the reconstructed C03 pavilion represents not only the launch of new laboratories but, above all, a major milestone in the establishment of a centre that is unique within the Czech environment. “From the very beginning, the patient with a rare disease has been at the core of our mission — patients for whom sufficiently effective treatment often does not exist. For these individuals, access to innovative therapies can be crucial. In one place, we can cover the entire process — from basic research through preclinical development and manufacturing to subsequent clinical trials,” explains Regina Demlová, Director of the CREATIC Centre of Excellence.

The new facility offers more than 1,000 m² of research and production space and includes six manufacturing units in certified cleanrooms that meet strict Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. “The CREATIC Centre of Excellence is an excellent example of the integration of research and clinical practice, combining academic, research, and applied clinical spheres in close proximity to treated patients. Through its mission, CREATIC represents excellence in research, development, and production of innovative medicinal products for modern therapies at the Faculty of Medicine,” says Martin Repko, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Masaryk University.

The centre’s technological equipment includes state-of-the-art platforms for genomic analysis, cell engineering, and quality control. A key component is a sequencing system enabling detailed analysis of genetic changes using long-read DNA technology. For the production of cell and gene therapies, modern automated systems are used to increase standardization and safety. Laboratories are also equipped with advanced analytical technologies, including bioreactors, chromatographic systems, flow cytometry, and real-time cell monitoring devices. “The construction of CREATIC’s infrastructure was an exceptionally complex project requiring close collaboration across many disciplines from the very beginning. It involved numerous unique solutions tailored to the specific needs of modern research environments, including cleanroom construction. Completing this demanding project demonstrates Masaryk University’s ability to deliver strategic investments with high quality and long-term vision,” adds David Póč, Bursar of Masaryk University.

The Faculty of Medicine at Masaryk University has already developed specific advanced therapy medicinal products. These include the anti-cancer cell therapy MyDendrix, based on autologous dendritic cells, used in pediatric patients with high-risk malignancies. It was the first therapy in the Czech Republic to receive a hospital exemption granted by the State Institute for Drug Control for clinical use. Another example is FlyCellix, a cell-based medicinal product targeting epidermolysis bullosa, also known as butterfly skin disease. The centre’s new production capacities create conditions for further development of these therapies and for new innovative products currently under development, which may significantly improve outcomes for patients with otherwise difficult-to-treat conditions.

The significance of the centre goes beyond its technological infrastructure. CREATIC systematically develops the concept of responsible innovation in advanced therapies, emphasizing treatment accessibility, transparent communication with patients, and long-term sustainability of healthcare innovations. The new facilities therefore represent not only an expansion of research capacity but also a strengthened commitment to delivering clinically beneficial and socially responsible innovations.

About CREATIC

CREATIC (Central European Advanced Therapy and Immunotherapy Centre) is a centre of excellence at the Faculty of Medicine of Masaryk University. It focuses on the research, development, and production of cell and gene therapies for patients with rare or serious diseases. Through collaboration with leading European research institutions, it aims to accelerate the translation of biomedical innovations into clinical practice and improve access to modern treatments in the region. The CREATIC Centre of Excellence project was made possible through significant public funding from European and national sources. It is funded by the Horizon Europe programme under the Teaming for Excellence call. The reconstruction of pavilion C03 was supported by the Jan Amos Komenský Operational Programme (OP JAK) and the National Recovery Plan, complemented by institutional investments from Masaryk University. The project represents a strategic investment in research infrastructure and the competitiveness of Czech science in advanced therapies.