Rentschler Biopharma Withdraws from Cell and Gene Field, Plans to Close UK Site

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The biopharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organization Rentschler Biopharma said on Jan. 30, 2025 that as part of a long-term strategic shift, it will cease operations in the field of cell and gene therapy, namely at its site in Stevenage, United Kingdom (1). The realignment of Rentschler’s global business operations, according to a press release from the company, will allow for an increased focus on biologics going forward.

“As an innovation leader, we continuously evaluate new approaches to meet the needs of our clients and their patients. The cell and gene therapy market has experienced slower-than-expected growth, with demand across the industry not meeting our expectations. Following a comprehensive strategic review, we are focusing our efforts on areas where we see the greatest demand and potential to create value sustainably. Biologics remain central to our operations, while we continue to evaluate other potential modalities, leveraging our expertise and long track record of delivering the exceptional quality and service our clients rely on,” said Benedikt von Braunmühl, CEO of Rentschler Biopharma, in a company press release (1). “The dedication and performance of our Stevenage-based team has been exceptional, and I would like to thank everyone for their valuable contributions. We are committed to supporting the affected employees by providing resources and assistance during this transition period.”

There was no immediate disclosure by Rentschler as to how many employees will ultimately be affected, or how long the process of shutting down the Stevenage site would take, if not instantaneous. The press release identified the company’s headquarters as being in Laupheim, Germany with operations in Milford, Mass., in the United States. Together, these two sites house approximately 1400 workers in total (1).

Rentschler’s focus on the latter two facilities included a new state-of-the-art production line in Milford that became fully operational in 2024, bringing on line four new, 2000-L single-use bioreactors, and an investment—what Rentschler called its largest single investment to date—at the Laupheim headquarters, intended to enhance production efficiency and upgrade various capabilities of that site (1).

Prior to the January 30 announcement, Rentschler announced in early September 2024 that it was launching an expanded service offering at the Stevenage advanced therapies site: a new lentiviral vector manufacturing toolbox for the production of advanced therapy medicinal products, which complemented the company’s existing adeno-associated virus viral vector services (2).

In that September 2024 press release, Rentschler said its services contributed to nearly 25% of FDA-approved biopharmaceuticals in 2023 (2).

In addition, Rentschler in 2024 joined the United Nations Global Compact, which the company says emphasizes its prioritization of sustainable growth (1).

The announcement of Rentschler’s realignment concerning the Stevenage site comes two days after Zentalis, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, Calif., said approximately 40% of its workforce would be departing by the second quarter of 2025, as part of a “strategic restructuring” (3).

References

1. Rentschler Biopharma. Rentschler Biopharma Announces Strategic Realignment of its Global Business Operations. Press Release. Jan. 30, 2025.
2. Rentschler Biopharma. Rentschler Biopharma Introduces New Lentiviral Vector Manufacturing Toolbox for Advanced Therapies. Press Release. Sept. 3, 2024.
3. Zentalis. Zentalis Pharmaceuticals Announces Strategic Restructuring to Support Late-Stage Azenosertib Development. Press Release. Jan. 28, 2025.