Charles River Laboratories has announced drug discovery companies will receive scientific and commercial expertise as part of the second cohort of its Cell and Gene Therapy Incubator Program (CIP). 

The CIP cohort includes six companies, four of which are advanced therapy developers (CureAge Therapeutics, InterAct Therapeutics, Jaan Biotherapeutics and Kopra Bio) and two enabling technology developers (WR Grace & Co and HTLab AG’s Biowerkli). 

The focus of the drug discovery companies ranges from treating peripheral nerve diseases to therapies activating cardiac regeneration. 

“The CIP’s success shows how effectively it attracts top talent and promotes innovation,” said Kerstin Dolph, Corporate Senior Vice President of Global Manufacturing at Charles River.  

“By establishing a strong foundation for commercial viability, the CIP is helping participants advance life-saving therapeutics and transform innovative ideas into real-world impact.” 

CIP was launched by Charles River in August 2024, with the first cohort announced in April 2025. 

Bruno Quinney, Content Team, DDW