Pharmaceutical research services provider Charles River Laboratories International Inc (NYSE:CRL) announced on Wednesday that it has entered into a collaboration with Gazi University Faculty of Medicine in Türkiye to support rare disease research.

The partnership will provide plasmid DNA for adeno-associated virus (AAV) production and in vitro efficacy studies.

The research focuses on hyperphosphatemic tumoral calcinosis (HTC), a rare inherited disorder that causes high phosphate levels and non-cancerous calcium deposits in soft tissues, leading to pain and mobility issues. Gazi University has identified GALNT3 as the gene responsible for the condition.

Under the collaboration, Charles River will supply off-the-shelf, research-grade AAV plasmids produced using animal component-free methods. These plasmids are royalty-free and intended to accelerate early-stage gene therapy programs while reducing costs.

Charles River's cell and gene therapy portfolio includes discovery, safety assessment, biologics testing, and manufacturing solutions for plasmid DNA, viral vectors, and cell therapies, spanning preclinical to commercial-scale operations.