This year marks a major milestone for WCG’s Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) services: 25 years of advancing biosafety in gene therapy research. On July 27, 2000, WCG, then operating as WIRB, conducted the first-ever IBC review by an external provider. That pioneering moment laid the foundation for the central IBC model, which has since become the industry standard. What began as a bold idea has transformed how human gene transfer (HGT) trials are reviewed and launched, enabling faster, safer study start-up at sites around the world.
Over the past quarter-century, both WCG’s IBC and the field of human gene transfer have evolved dramatically. In 2000, gene therapy was still an emerging science. Today, it is a thriving discipline delivering transformative treatments to patients around the world. WCG’s IBC has been at the forefront of this evolution, providing oversight for the first FDA-approved HGT product, and every Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy approved by the FDA since. From early gene therapy approvals to today’s cutting-edge gene editing trials, WCG’s IBCs have played a central role in ensuring these innovations are reviewed with the highest standards of safety and compliance.
Discover WCG’s IBC by the Numbers
- 25 years of biosafety oversight experience.
- Gene transfer trials supported by more than 800 IBC experts since 2000, and 600+ biosafety experts are available to support upcoming trials.
- 8,500+ IBC reviews conducted.
- 1,800+ unique investigators reviewed.
- Nearly 1,500 IBC registered sites since 2000, and nearly 1,000 actively registered sites today.
- IBCs established in 21 countries since 2000, and active in 15 countries today.
As we reflect on our legacy, we also look toward the future of biosafety and the development of gene-based medicines. The clinical pipeline for HGT products is expanding rapidly, and WCG’s IBC remains committed to leading the way. With new challenges on the horizon – from engineered cell therapies to novel genetic vaccines – our centrally administered IBC model continues to evolve. Our focus remains on empowering investigators and sponsors with efficient, expert IBC reviews that keep pace with innovation.
From that first historic review in 2000 to the rapidly advancing gene therapy landscape of today, WCG’s IBC stands ready to support the next generation of breakthroughs – just as we have for the past 25 years.
As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on what matters most: enabling safe, efficient, and innovative gene therapy research. If you’re ready to accelerate your study with expert IBC oversight, we’d love to hear from you. Complete the form below to connect with our team and explore how WCG’s IBC can support your next breakthrough.
Don't trust your study to just anyone.
Partnering with WCG puts it in the best hands. We’ll help you every step of the way, from timeline and enrollment dates to qualification of prospective sites to document preparation and distribution. Experience the WCG difference starting with a free IBC services consultation.