Bharat Biotech invests US$75M in Cell and Gene therapy manufacturing in Hyderabad

INDIA—Bharat Biotech has announced the establishment of India’s first vertically integrated cell and gene therapy manufacturing facility in Hyderabad, located within the renowned life sciences cluster known as Genome Valley.

This ambitious project involves an investment of approximately US$75 million, marking a substantial foray into cutting-edge regenerative and personalized therapies.

Bharat Biotech’s decision to venture into cell and gene therapy represents a strategic shift from its core business of vaccine development.

The company aims to leverage its extensive experience in viral vaccine manufacturing to master the complexities of cell and gene therapies.

These advanced treatments involve introducing modified healthy cells or genes into a patient’s body to address complex health conditions such as genetic disorders and cancer.

By focusing on these therapies, Bharat Biotech seeks to address unmet clinical needs globally, particularly in the areas of hematological malignancies and inherited blood disorders.

The new facility, spanning 50,000 square feet, is designed to support high-titer viral vector production, including Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV), Lentivirus, and Adenovirus, which are crucial for gene therapy applications.

This state-of-the-art infrastructure will enable the development of treatments for blood cancers, solid organ cancers, and genetic disorders.

Moreover, Bharat Biotech is committed to democratizing these therapies, making them more accessible and affordable, unlike the expensive options available in developed countries.

Currently, Bharat Biotech has a robust pipeline of personalized medicines, with two products in cell culture and three in the gene therapy segment.

The company is working on a range of CAR-T cell, CAR-NK cell, and off-the-shelf gene therapies.

These therapies are highly advanced and involve sophisticated processes that require precise genetic manipulation and specialized manufacturing capabilities.

To enhance its capabilities in this field, Bharat Biotech has entered into a collaboration with Prof. Krishanu Saha at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

 This partnership focuses on developing next-generation CAR cell therapies, leveraging innovative product design and scalable solutions to improve patient care worldwide.

Bharat Biotech’s foray into cell and gene therapy is not only a significant step for the company but also for India’s healthcare sector.

The global market for cell and gene therapies is projected to grow substantially, reaching an estimated US$117.46 billion by 2034.

Bharat Biotech anticipates launching its new therapies within the next three years, aiming to make them available at affordable prices, particularly in the Indian market where such treatments are currently prohibitively expensive.

In addition to its domestic ambitions, Bharat Biotech is exploring opportunities for exporting these therapies and tapping into the potential of medical tourism in the cell and gene therapy segment.

This strategic move aligns with the company’s broader vision of democratizing healthcare access globally.

Bharat Biotech has a rich history of innovation and expansion.

The company gained international recognition in 2019 when it became the largest supplier of rabies vaccines worldwide following its acquisition of Chiron Behring Vaccines from GSK.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bharat Biotech developed Covaxin, a COVID-19 vaccine that received approvals in several countries.

Today, the company boasts a diverse portfolio of over 19 vaccines and four biotherapeutics, solidifying its position as a leading player in the global healthcare industry.

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