Bristol Myers Squibb Plans Cell Therapy Manufacturing Site in the Netherlands

Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) has selected Leiden, Netherlands, as a new cell therapy manufacturing site in Europe, the company announced in an April 22, 2021 press release. The site is in the growing life sciences region near Amsterdam and convenient to transportation for shipping patient cells. According to the press release, Leiden will be the company’s fifth cell therapy manufacturing facility and first in Europe, in addition to contract manufacturing partnerships globally.

“A key element of BMS’ commitment to cell therapy is our continuous investment in advanced manufacturing capabilities, from the expansion of our global network and capacity to treat patients to reduced turn-around time and optimized costs,” said Ann Lee, senior vice-president, Cell Therapy Development & Operations, Bristol Myers Squibb, in the release. “We continue to grow our presence in Europe and the Netherlands, which offers an innovative life sciences hub and world class industry talent, and we look forward to hiring several hundred talented people over the coming years to join our global team and participate in our cell therapy journey.” 

The facility will focus on commercial capabilities for multi-product cell therapy manufacturing, using advanced digital systems. Planning for site design and development is underway, with construction slated to begin later in 2021.