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London


The King’s College London/Royal Free/UCL Gene Therapy Hub

The King’s College London/Royal Free/UCL Hub, led by Professor Robin Ali, will provide a comprehensive capability for clinical grade viral vector manufacturing. This will include adeno-associated viruses (AAV) , lentiviruses (LV) and  Retroviruses (RV),  production for early-phase trials, alongside substantial programmes in process innovation, knowledge transfer, and training to address critical skills shortages. In partnership with the network of Innovation Hubs, our vision is to ensure that the UK capitalises on its outstanding academic medical research to deliver novel gene therapies to patients, providing transformative treatments for currently intractable conditions, and generating a vibrant economic landscape.

Professor Robin Ali
Professor Robin Ali

Key People


London IHfGT Leadership Team:

  • Hub's Director: Prof Robin Ali
  • Chairman of KCL GTVF Board: Prof Simon Howell
  • Hub's Operational Director: Kate Barlow

Supported by KCL GTVF Management:

  • GTVF Operational Director: Dr Keith Meaney 
  • GTVF Head of Projects: Dr Joanna Przysowa 
  • GTVF Head of Business Development: Dr Henry Pegram 

Work Package Leaders:

  • Head of LV Production: Dr Sabine Domning (KCL)
  • Head of AAV Delivery: Ferdos Hashi (KCL)
  • Process Development Co-Lead: Prof Mark Lowdell (RF)
  • Process Development Co-Lead: Dr Hemant Dhamne (KCL)
  • Director of Skills & Training: Dr Francesca Gliubich (KCL)
  • Skills & Training Co-Lead: Prof Qasim Rafiq (UCL)

London Hub Timeline

September 2022
October 2022
February 2023
Q3 2023
August 2023
Q1 2024
Q1 2024

LV expansion construction begins

AAV clean room construction begins

New AAV room clean room completion

AAV Facility qualification

First AAV validation studies commence

Accreditation of expanded LV facility

Accreditation for for AAV facility

Hub Locations