Photo Source: Anna Tarazevich
BioOra has officially announced its plans to establish a new manufacturing facility in Christchurch’s Te Papa Hauora Health Precinct on 11 November 2024
The centre will specialise in CAR-T cell therapy, a groundbreaking treatment that re-engineers T-cells to fight cancer. This expansion is expected to stimulate local biotech growth, create new jobs, and reinforce Christchurch’s growing reputation as a hub for immunotherapy research and development.
Making Cancer Care More Accessible and Efficient
The new CAR-T therapy centre in Christchurch will provide high-quality and accessible outpatient care, rather than the traditional model, which requires lengthy hospitalisation and prolongs the agony of patients. The new approach aims to create an immunotherapy centre of excellence, where innovative CAR-T therapies will be developed and administered to patients, aligning with BioOra’s long-term vision.
The lease signing on November 11, 2024, signals the first step in this process, which will include the recruitment of production specialists and an increased focus on local research.
According to Martin Cudd from ChristchurchNZ, the long-term goal is to establish a centre where new CAR-T therapies are both discovered and made accessible to patients.
Building Partnerships to Fuel Next-Gen Cancer Therapies
BioOra has formed key partnerships with leading research organisations such as the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, in addition to Bridgewest Ventures NZ’s backing.
The facility aims to broaden the range of cancers that CAR-T therapies can treat, including solid tumours and autoimmune diseases. The collaborative effort also aims to attract top-tier talent in biotechnology and immunotherapy, solidifying Christchurch’s position as a rising centre for biotech innovation.
CAR-T Therapy’s Market Potential
The global CAR-T therapy market, currently valued at £3.5 billion, is forecast to experience substantial growth, potentially tripling in size by 2030.
This surge presents a significant opportunity for BioOra as it looks to expand its focus from blood cancers like lymphoma and leukaemia to solid tumours and autoimmune disorders.