Gazi University has initiated a strategic collaboration with Charles River Laboratories, one of the world’s largest gene therapy manufacturers, following studies conducted under the leadership of the Faculty of Medicine’s Divisions of Pediatric Metabolism and Pediatric Genetics and the Prof. Alev Hasanoğlu Phase 1 Clinical Research Center, with the support of the Council of Higher Education’s ADEP program. Announced to the global public in the United States on January 21, 2026, this partnership marks the launch of the research process for the first gene therapy product to be manufactured in accordance with international standards.
As part of the collaboration, Rector Prof. Uğur Ünal visited the Prof. Alev Hasanoğlu Phase 1 Clinical Research Center. He was accompanied by Vice Rectors Prof. Hasan Tezer and Prof. Serhat Karyeyen, Gazi Hospital Chief Physician Prof. Hakan Atalar, Deputy Chief Physician Prof. İlyas Okur, and Prof. Fatih Süheyl Ezgü, a faculty member of the Division of Pediatric Nutrition and Metabolism.
In a press statement to Anadolu Agency, Rector Prof. Uğur Ünal stated that he was proud to share the news of a scientifically historic step for both Gazi University and Türkiye—the initiation of the research process for “the country’s first indigenous and nationally approved gene therapy.” He emphasized Gazi University’s strong belief that by bringing together academic research in medicine with industrial production, this gene therapy would improve the quality of life of children in Türkiye and around the world.
Prof. Fatih Süheyl Ezgü, a faculty member of the Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Nutrition and Metabolism, noted that when they inaugurated the Prof. Alev Hasanoğlu Phase 1 Clinical Research Center five years ago, their goal was to rank among the world’s leading centers—a goal they have now achieved. He added that more than ten gene therapy studies are currently ongoing at the center and underlined that this collaboration represents a significant step in the university’s mission to develop transformative therapies.
Within the scope of the partnership, the initial focus will be on developing a treatment for a rare hereditary genetic disease characterized by low phosphate levels in the blood, which causes bone pain, inflammation, and restricted mobility, and severely affects children’s quality of life due to its association with hypophosphatemia. Thanks to the technological infrastructure and animal-component-free proprietary plasmids provided by Charles River Laboratories, gene therapy projects are planned to be implemented in a much shorter time frame and at lower cost.
This initiative, which will accelerate the translation of academic research into clinical applications, is also expected to enhance Türkiye’s international visibility in the fields of biotechnology and advanced therapy medicinal products. With similar initiatives, our university was awarded the Council of Higher Education’s Outstanding Achievement Award in the field of Social Contribution in 2024. We extend our thanks to the Council of Higher Education and the Ministry of Health for their support.
Our efforts will continue with determination until a fully indigenous and national treatment option is made available for all children affected by this disease.
