Bristol-Myers Squibb Collaborates with Bioprocessing Institute in Ireland

Bristol-Myers Squibb will collaborate with the National Institute of Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) in Dublin to establish a process science and technology laboratory that will strengthen productivity of biological manufacturing processes, according to a March 29, 2016 announcement.

The laboratory will house a team of 12  Bristol-Myers Squibb scientists who will advance complex bioprocesses used to produce BMS's biologics products and who will benefit from close collaboration with the scientific staff at the NIBRT. The laboratory is expected to be operational by June 2016.

The collaboration comes ahead of Bristol-Myers Squibb's plans to open a new, large-scale biologics manufacturing facility in Cruiserath, County Dublin, near Blanchardstown, Ireland that will produce multiple therapies for the company's growing immuno-oncology portfolio. The manufacturing facility is estimated to be operational in 2019.

In addition to establishing a laboratory, the Bristol-Myers Squibb–NIBRT collaboration will include additional training programs for Bristol-Myers Squibb employees and programs to develop skills for potential new biopharma employees.

The Cruiserath facility, which will employ up to 400 skilled science, professional, and technical staff, will produce multiple therapies for the company's growing biologics and diversified specialty medicines portfolio. Bristol-Myers Squibb employs 25,000 people worldwide, including 550 in Ireland.

"We are delighted to expand our partnership with Bristol-Myers Squibb," said Dominic Carolan, CEO, NIBRT, in the press release. "As the national bioprocessing training and research facility, NIBRT is committed to supporting international and domestic biologics investment to Ireland. Working with companies to develop innovative, tailored programs to complement recruitment, training, and research needs is core to our mission."

Source: NIBRT