Milford drug company to close U.K. site, cease cell and gene therapy operations
Photo | Courtesy of Rentschler Biopharma
Lab workers at Rentschler Biopharma's facility in Milford
Global biopharmaceutical manufacturing firm Rentschler Biopharma will shutter its United Kingdom facility as the Germany-based firm has realigned its focus, moving away from cell and gene therapy to focus on biologics.
Closing processes have been initiated immediately with a proposal for full closure to take place by the second quarter, according to Rentschler Biopharma. The site, located in Stevenage, U.K., employs approximately 30 workers, all of whom will be affected by the closure. A portion of those employees are expected to stay on to support the closure while others will be offered replacement resources for new positions outside of the company, including support for writing resumes and preparing for job interviews.
Rentschler Biopharma’s decision to realign its business operations is in response to decreased industry demand as the company works to meet client needs and prioritize growth, according to a Thursday press release. The company is scaling down its commitment to cell-and-gene therapy operations in favor of its biologics manufacturing.
While headquartered in Laupheim, Germany, Rentschler Biopharma operates a site in Milford.
The Milford site supports Rentschler’s biologics operations, which will now be the company’s focus. The Milford facility was the location of the company’s largest-ever expansion last year.
“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,” Benedikt von Braunmühl, CEO of Rentschler Biopharma, said in the release.
The 150-year old, family company specializes in process development and manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals with 170 clients worldwide and more than 140 therapeutic modalities.
“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 von Braunmühl.
Mica Kanner-Mascolo is a staff writer at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the healthcare and diversity, equity, and inclusion industries.
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