OXB expands its partnership with Bristol Myers Squibb to launch commercial manufacturing of CAR-T therapy components

UK—OXB (formerly Oxford Biomedica), a United Kingdom-based manufacturer specializing in cell and gene therapy production, has broadened its existing collaboration with pharmaceutical giant Bristol Myers Squibb.

The expanded agreement focuses on supplying lentiviral vectors, which serve as critical components in Bristol Myers Squibb’s chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy programs.

Under the newly expanded partnership, OXB will begin commercial-scale manufacturing operations this year.

The company plans to utilize two key facilities for this production: its Oxford, United Kingdom, site and its Durham, North Carolina, location.

OXB acquired the Durham facility from National Resilience in October, marking a strategic addition to its manufacturing network.

Financial implications and growth trajectory

While OXB has not disclosed specific financial terms of the agreement, company officials indicate the deal will generate substantial multi-year revenue streams.

The partnership also aligns with OXB’s medium-term financial projections, providing additional support for the company’s growth targets.

The relationship between OXB and Bristol Myers Squibb dates back to 2020, when the two organizations first established their partnership during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The evolution from clinical-stage collaboration to commercial manufacturing represents a significant advancement in their working relationship.

Dr. Sebastien Ribault, who serves as OXB’s chief business officer, emphasized the importance of this transition in a company statement.

He noted that moving from clinical to commercial manufacturing with Bristol Myers Squibb represents a major milestone for both organizations.

The long-term nature of the commitment demonstrates OXB’s strong performance record and validates the company’s strategic positioning as a leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) in the cell and gene therapy sector.

Bristol Myers Squibb’s CAR-T success story

Despite recent challenges facing the broader cell and gene therapy industry, Bristol Myers Squibb’s CAR-T division has demonstrated remarkable growth.

The company’s hematology CAR-T cell therapy, Breyanzi, has reached a significant commercial milestone with sales now annualizing at more than USD1 billion, according to Bristol Myers Squibb’s most recent financial report.

Chris Holt, Bristol Myers Squibb’s vice president of cell therapy vector and external manufacturing, explained that the latest agreement with OXB will support the advancement of the company’s CAR-T therapies.

The partnership provides reliable and scalable manufacturing capacity necessary to meet growing commercial demand for these innovative treatments.

OXB’s expansion strategy

OXB, formerly known as Oxford Biomedica, began laying the groundwork for expansion last year with a £60 million (USD81 million) capital raise.

This funding supported the company’s growth initiatives, including facility acquisitions and capacity enhancements.

The Durham facility acquisition cost OXB £3.4 million (USD 4.5 million) and provides commercial-scale production capabilities.

Located in the Research Triangle Park area, the site is the fifth facility in OXB’s global network and the company’s second U.S. location.

OXB also operates a Bedford, Massachusetts facility, which functions as the company’s adeno-associated virus center of excellence, demonstrating the organization’s diversified manufacturing capabilities across different therapeutic modalities.