BMS in new €1m bioprocessing partnership with NIBRT

29 Mar 2016

A new €1m collaboration between two major science operators in Ireland will see the creation of a bioprocessing lab at the National Institute of Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) in Dublin.

Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) is partnering up with NIBRT to set up a new bioprocessing lab, training for its staff and an internship-styled programme for future employees.

The new process science and technology hub will be based at NIBRT in Dublin, where 12 BMS scientists will work with their hosts to help improve the research and supply line of their drugs.

Set to run from this June, the news come amid growing investment from BMS in Ireland, with a €900m facility in Cruiserath slated for a 2019 completion date. That venue, which will produce multiple therapies for the company’s immuno-oncology portfolio, will see the creation of 400 jobs, too.

Today’s collaboration, though, also includes a Skillnet project, which will see 20 people trained up at NIBRT for four months, followed by a three-month paid internship at BMS.

BMS’ president of global manufacturing and supply, Lou Schmukler, said the partnership with NIBRT will lead to “innovative and state-of-the-art” support for the Cruiserath facility, which will play a central role in the company’s global manufacturing network.

“Our people and operations in Ireland are integral to helping Bristol-Myers Squibb deliver innovative medicines to our patients around the world,” said Schmukler.

NIBRT facility

Bristol-Myers Squibb staff at NIBRT facility

The company already employs around 550 people in Ireland (25,000 worldwide), with its growing presence something NIBRT was obviously keen to get involved with.

Indeed its CEO, Dominic Carolan, said he and his team are “delighted” with this collaboration, noting the training of staff, and research of products, is “core to our mission”.

“Our collaboration with BMS has thus far seen us facilitate a very successful careers day last November and delivering customised training programmes to BMS employees and Skillnet students. We’re delighted to be welcoming the BMS scientific team to NIBRT,” he said.

Main lab image via Shutterstock

Gordon Hunt was a journalist with Silicon Republic

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