What's Happening?
Cellares has signed a long-term lease for a new integrated development and manufacturing organization (IDMO) Smart Factory at Leiden Bio Science Park in the Netherlands. This facility will serve as the company's
European headquarters, expanding its global manufacturing network. The Smart Factory will deploy Cellares' automated Cell Shuttle manufacturing platforms and Cell Q quality control systems, supporting consistent execution and streamlined process transfer across geographies. The site will provide European drug developers with access to automated manufacturing infrastructure, aligning with Cellares' global production standards.
Why It's Important?
The establishment of a Smart Factory in Europe is a strategic move for Cellares, enhancing its ability to support cell therapy manufacturing, which is both patient-specific and time-sensitive. By increasing regional production capacity, Cellares can better serve European and global partners, facilitating the transition from clinical development to commercial supply. This expansion is crucial for maintaining a consistent manufacturing standard and accelerating the scale-up of cell therapies, ultimately improving patient access to these treatments worldwide.
What's Next?
Cellares plans to complete the fit-out of the Leiden facility in phases, with initial operations expected to begin later in 2026. The company will continue to expand its global IDMO network, with additional Smart Factory capacity under development in Japan. The integration of Cellares' automated platforms will support dependable process transfer and accelerated scale-up, positioning the company to meet the growing demand for cell therapies. The first patient dosing using these platforms is anticipated in the first half of 2026, marking a significant milestone in Cellares' clinical program.
