Bristol-Myers Squibb has formed a collaboration with the National Institute of Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) in Dublin, Ireland for a process science and technology laboratory that will strengthen productivity of manufacturing processes for biologics. The lab will house a team of 12 Bristol-Myers Squibb scientists who will advance bioprocesses used to produce BMS's biologics products and who will benefit from collaboration with the scientific staff at the NIBRT. The laboratory is expected to be operational by June 2016.

The collaboration comes ahead of Bristol-Myers Squibb's plans to open a new EUR 900 million ($1.02 billion) large-scale biologics manufacturing facility in Cruiserath, County Dublin, near Blanchardstown that will produce multiple therapies for the company's growing immuno-oncology portfolio. The manufacturing facility is estimated to be operational in 2019. The Cruiserath facility, which will employ up to 400 skilled science, professional and technical staff, will produce multiple therapies for the company's growing biologics and diversified specialty medicines portfolio. Bristol-Myers Squibb employs 25,000 people worldwide, including 550 in Ireland.

In addition to establishing a laboratory, the Bristol-Myers Squibb-NIBRT collaboration includes: customised NIBRT experiential training programs for Bristol-Myers Squibb employees across all areas of the biopharmaceutical manufacturing process; Careers Day for prospective candidates; and a Four-month training program with NIBRT, followed by a paid three-month internship with Bristol-Myers Squibb for 20 skilled professionals through an association with Skillnet and the Department of Social Protection.

Source: Bristol-Myers Squibb