Bristol Myers Squibb celebrates highest point in first European cell therapy production facility construction at Leiden Bio Science Park

The construction of the CAR T cell therapy production centre of Bristol Myers Squibb in the Leiden Bio Science Park (LBSP) is nearing completion. Today the highest point was reached which traditionally means a topping off ceremony. 

In October 2021, the first pile of the structure was driven into the ground, the flag was raised and the biopharmaceutical company started building the production centre. With the highest beam in place, the project is on schedule. Bristol Myers Squibb celebrates this special day together with employees, construction companies and neighbours in the Leiden Bio Science Park. 

Leiden will be Bristol Myers Squibb's first European cell therapy facility, making it the company's fifth worldwide. "The European facility will have the latest technologies and production equipment." explains Anthony Cable, Executive Director, Global Engineering Bristol Myers Squibb. "This will help develop personalised therapy for European patients with certain blood cancers where their own cells will be processed to recognise and destroy the cancer cells."

By the end of 2024, Bristol Myers Squibb expects to be operationally ready, bringing the production of its cell-based therapies closer to European patients. This could save precious time for patients in Europe with aggressive blood cancers.

In addition, the new production facility is expected to provide at least 500 jobs.