Galapagos enters into strategic collaboration agreement with Thermo Fisher Scientific to further expand its decentralized CAR-T manufacturing network in the U.S.

Under the terms of the agreement, Thermo Fisher will provide GMP manufacturing as well as BioServices and Specialty Logistics for Galapagos’ CAR-T hemato-oncology clinical program in the San Francisco area, effective January 2024. Galapagos will initiate the technology transfer to enable Thermo Fisher’s manufacturing activities. This collaboration follows Galapagos’ agreement with Landmark Bio for decentralized CAR-T manufacturing in the Boston area announced in November 2023.

“As we continue to execute on our global CAR-T expansion strategy, we are very pleased to collaborate with Thermo Fisher, a leader in accelerating life sciences research and the development of life-changing therapies,” said Dr. Paul Stoffels (1), CEO and Chairman of Galapagos. “Together we will establish a decentralized CAR-T manufacturing network in the San Francisco area to support the rollout of our pivotal clinical trials and enhance our market readiness. This collaboration will advance Galapagos’ commitment to better meeting patient needs and making CAR-T therapies available to more patients through the rapid delivery of fit CAR-T cells.”

“This collaboration marks the start of an exciting journey to support Galapagos with their decentralized manufacturing strategy,” stated Jennifer Cannon, president of Commercial Operations for Thermo Fisher Scientific's Pharma Services organization. “As a continued investment in our broad range of cell and gene therapy capabilities, our recently opened San Francisco site provides expertise and flexibility in manufacturing, as well as BioServices & Specialty Logistics, to support customers such as Galapagos from early development work through commercialization.” 

Financial terms of the agreement are not disclosed.

(1) Throughout this press release, ‘Dr. Paul Stoffels’ should be read as ‘Dr. Paul Stoffels, acting via Stoffels IMC BV’