Bharat Biotech Unveils $75 Mn Cell & Gene Therapy Facility in Hyderabad

The company has announced that it will expand its focus from vaccine innovation to advanced regenerative and personalized therapies.

Bharat Biotech has entered the cell and gene therapy (CGT) sector by establishing a vertically integrated CGT and viral production facility in Genome Valley, Hyderabad.

The initiative involves a phased investment of $75 million. The facility, spanning across 50,000 sq ft, is claimed to be India's first vertically integrated CGT setup. It will feature comprehensive research and development, manufacturing, and quality control capabilities.

The company has announced that it will expand its focus from vaccine innovation to advanced regenerative and personalized therapies. These new therapies aim to improve immune responses to conditions such as cancer and enhance the delivery of therapeutic proteins to patients with genetic disorders, including hemophilia.

Dr Krishna Ella, the founder and executive chairman of Bharat Biotech, emphasized that the company’s extensive expertise in viral vaccine manufacturing positions it well to navigate the complexities of cell and gene therapy (CGT).

He added that they aim to produce human-grade vectors at the consistency and scale needed for clinical trials addressing rare diseases, all at an affordable cost.

"For decades, Bharat Biotech has led India's effort in developing and manufacturing affordable vaccines for critical diseases. CGT aligns with BBIL's broader vision of expanding beyond traditional vaccines into personalized medicine. Leveraging our proven expertise in forging strategic global partnerships, this initiative will enable the rapid translation of advanced scientific discoveries—from potent therapeutic vectors to in vivo CAR (chimeric antigen receptor) generation—into real-world solutions," explained Dr. Ella.

Dr Raches Ella, the company's Chief Development Officer, further stated that the venture aims to make CGT accessible, as such therapies are predominantly available only in developed nations or premier institutions, far from the reach of the common populace.

Bharat Biotech is collaborating with Prof Krishanu Saha from the University of Wisconsin-Madison to further these efforts. Saha's research focuses on using AI to develop next-generation CAR cell therapies. 

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