OXB and Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) are expanding their strategic partnership by signing a new Commercial Supply Agreement (CSA). Namely, this applies to the manufacture and supply of lentiviral vectors for BMS’ chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) programs.

The specific, commercial manufacturing the two companies agreed to is expected to commence later in 2026. This is subject to approval of the relevant CAR-T products.

How OXB and BMS Work Together

Manufacturing will take place at OXB’s facilities in Oxford, United Kingdom, as well as Durham, North Carolina in the U.S.

OXB, a cell and gene therapy-focused CDMO, rebranded to its current name from Oxford Biomedica in September 2024. It offers viral vector development and manufacturing expertise in lentivirus, adeno-associated virus, and adenovirus, among others.

Meanwhile, the company’s agreement with BMS dates back even further. That was announced nearly six years ago, in March 2020, initially between Oxford Biomedica and the BMS company Juno Therapeutics.

The Future of CAR-T

Chris Holt, BMS Vice President, Cell Therapy Vector and External Manufacturing Operations, reflected on the partnership, before looking forward.

“OXB has been an excellent manufacturing partner supporting our CAR-T cell therapy programs through clinical development,” Holt said. “This expanded agreement reflects our confidence in their world-class capabilities and proven expertise in delivering high-quality, commercial-grade viral vectors. As we advance our innovative CAR-T therapies toward patients, this strategic partnership ensures reliable, scalable manufacturing capacity.”

OXB Chief Business Officer Sebastien Ribault, PhD, also offered his thoughts.

“The transition from clinical to commercial manufacturing with BMS marks an important milestone for both companies,” Ribault said. “Having supported these potentially life-saving CAR-T programs through development, we are confident in their commercial success.”

OXB and BMS said they expect the new CSA to generate “meaningful multi-year revenue.”