Rentschler Biopharma is withdrawing from the field of cell and gene therapy, ceasing operations at its Stevenage, UK site, and increasing its focus on biologics (cell culture-based therapeutic proteins). Company officials say the decision represents a realignment of its global business operations as part of a long-term strategic shift based on evolving market conditions, and client needs, prioritizing sustainable growth, and driving innovation.
“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,” explains Benedikt von Braunmühl, CEO of Rentschler Biopharma.
In recent years, the CDMO has made significant investments to further strengthen its global capabilities and support long-term growth, says von Braunmühl, noting that Rentschler Biopharma announced last year its largest single investment to date at its headquarters in Laupheim, to enhance production efficiency and upgrade the site capabilities.
Earlier that year, the new production line, in Milford, MA in the U.S., became fully operational with four new 2,000 L single-use bioreactors. This investment further advances the company’s capacities and ability to meet the growing demand for biopharmaceuticals, marking the largest investment in Rentschler Biopharma’s more than 150-year history, adds von Braunmühl.
