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Following the execution of an agreement with Novartis, Bristol Myers Squibb announced the expansion of its global cell therapy manufacturing network to enable in-house viral vector production through a US-based manufacturing facility and its operations in Libertyville, Illinois. The facility and its operations can generate viral vector for both of Bristol Myers Squibb's CAR T cell therapies. This advancement furthers the company's long-term goals in cell therapy.

"The addition of an in-house facility for viral vector production, which complements our external partnerships, allows us to manufacture current and next-generation vector technology, as well as increase future capacity," said Karin Shanahan, executive vice president, global product development and supply, Bristol Myers Squibb. "Welcoming the Libertyville site operations and employees to our expanding global cell therapy manufacturing network broadens and deepens our existing capabilities." Because cell therapies are created uniquely for each individual patient, using the patient's own T cells as the starting material, manufacturing them is both operationally and technically complex.

Viral vectors are an important part of engineering T cells for infusion back into patients. Because cell therapies are rapidly changing the way we treat various types of cancer, the demand for viral vectors is skyrocketing. A dual-sourcing vector strategy enables consistent delivery of Bristol Myers Squibb CAR T cell therapies, allowing the company to keep up with rising demand and ensure that more eligible patients have access to these treatments. “Bringing viral vector production in-house helps us further build our leadership position in cell therapy with potential for more patients to get treated by one of our transformational cell therapies," said Lynelle Hoch, senior vice president, global cell therapy franchise lead, Bristol Myers Squibb.

“The strong demand for our differentiated and transformational cell therapies underscores their value to patients, and we are committed to pursuing opportunities to bring these treatments to patients in need.” The company is committed to identifying opportunities to increase reliable supply of its transformational cell therapies. The facility in Libertyville, Illinois, adds to the company’s robust global network of three state-of-the-art cell therapy manufacturing facilities in Bothell, Washington; Warren, New Jersey; and Summit, New Jersey, with two additional manufacturing sites in development in Devens, Massachusetts, and Leiden, Netherlands. Subject to the fulfilment of applicable closing conditions, the new US facility is scheduled to transition to Bristol Myers Squibb in 2023. Bristol-Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company with the mission of discovering, developing, and delivering innovative medicines that help patients overcome serious diseases.