Oxford BioMedica forms new digital framework initiative

Gene and cell therapy group Oxford BioMedica announced the formation of a new digital framework initiative on Friday, which it said would streamline the production of next-generation medicines.

The London-listed firm said it would invest a total of £4m, supported by a £2m grant from Innovate UK, in building digital and robotics capabilities that would be designed to drive improvements in analytical methodology, supply times and cost of goods.

It said the goal was to increase capacity, reduce the cost of manufacturing and reduce waste.

The aims of the project were said to be aligned with the UK Government's ‘Life Sciences Sector Deal’, to help ensure that the next wave of breakthrough treatments, innovative medical research and technologies, and high skill jobs were created in Britain.

Oxford Biomedica said it was committed to investing in the UK, and recently announced the expansion of its manufacturing capacity to create an additional 82,398 square foot facility near its headquarters in Oxford.

That new facility secured Oxford as a bioprocessing centre for the company, the board explained, and would create up to 100 new, highly-skilled positions at the group over the next two years.

“With demand for advanced therapy medicinal products expected to grow at unprecedented levels, underlined by the interest received from our current and future potential partners at Oxford Biomedica, it is imperative that we continue to invest in our technology, capacity and innovation,” said chief executive officer John Dawson.

“This new initiative will provide us with digital and robotic enhancements to maintain our global leading position in the development and manufacture of lentiviral vector products.

“This is important for our own research and development pipeline as well as for our blue-chip partners as we continue to support the delivery of life-altering gene therapies to patients around the world.”