Bharat Biotech Expands into Cell and Gene Therapy with $75M Investment

Bharat Biotech, the renowned Indian vaccine manufacturer, is making a significant pivot into the realm of personalized medicine with a substantial investment in cell and gene therapy production. This move marks a new chapter for the company, diversifying its portfolio beyond its traditional focus on vaccines.

$75 Million Facility in Genome Valley

Bharat Biotech has announced plans to establish its first cell and gene therapy manufacturing facility in Hyderabad's Genome Valley, a prominent life sciences cluster in India. The company is committing approximately $75 million to this project, which represents a strategic shift towards advanced therapeutics.

The new 50,000-square-foot plant is poised to commence full operations upon completion of the build-out phase and obtaining necessary regulatory approvals. While a specific launch date has not been disclosed, the facility is expected to play a crucial role in Bharat's expansion into personalized medicine.

Diversification of Product Pipeline

Bharat Biotech's executive chairman, Krishan Ella, revealed that the company currently has five products in its personalized medicine pipeline. This includes two products in cell culture and three in the gene therapy segment. The company's chief development officer, Raches Ella, elaborated on their focus areas, which encompass CAR-T cell, CAR-NK cell, and off-the-shelf gene therapies.

Krishan Ella emphasized the company's unique position in this new venture, stating, "Bharat Biotech, with its extensive experience and proven excellence in viral vaccine manufacturing, is uniquely positioned to master these complexities and produce human-grade vectors at the scale and consistency needed for clinical trials."

Strategic Collaborations and Future Prospects

In addition to its manufacturing investment, Bharat Biotech has forged a new collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This partnership has the potential to evolve into commercial deals, including in-licensing opportunities. The company is also exploring prospects in exporting and medical tourism within the cell and gene therapy sector.

Bharat Biotech's move into advanced therapeutics builds upon its established reputation in the vaccine industry. The company currently boasts a diverse portfolio of more than 19 vaccines and 4 biotherapeutics, covering areas such as influenza H1N1, rotavirus, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, and cholera. This expansion into cell and gene therapy represents a significant step in Bharat Biotech's evolution as a global biopharmaceutical player.