The Federal Government of Canada Backs OmniaBio’s Expansion to Strengthen Cell and Gene Therapy Manufacturing

• The Canadian government is supporting OmniaBio in expanding its Hamilton, Ontario facility to enhance cell and gene therapy manufacturing.

• The project will focus on advanced treatments for chronic diseases and integrate AI and robotics for clinical and commercial-scale production.

The Government of Canada is continuing its efforts to strengthen the country’s life sciences and biomanufacturing sector. Since March 2020, over $2.3 billion has been invested in rebuilding Canada’s capacity for vaccines, therapeutics, and biomanufacturing. As part of this initiative, OmniaBio will expand its facility at McMaster Innovation Park in Hamilton, Ontario, to manufacture cell and gene therapies and provide production services to companies globally.

The expansion will focus on advanced treatments for chronic diseases, including cancer, autoimmune conditions, diabetes, and cardiovascular and neurological disorders. The project will also incorporate artificial intelligence- and robotics-enabled clinical and commercial-scale manufacturing to improve efficiency and scalability.

This initiative aligns with Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy, reinforcing the country’s leadership in emerging biotechnologies. Speaking about the project, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, stated: “OmniaBio’s project has the potential to make the next generation of medicines in Canada for use in critical areas such as chronic diseases. The project will enhance the country’s innovation ecosystem and has the potential to attract world-leading investment to Canada, contributing to keeping the population safe and healthy.”

OmniaBio’s expansion aims to address key challenges in cell therapy production, including high manufacturing costs and complex cold-chain logistics. Mitchel Sivilotti, President and CEO of OmniaBio Inc., highlighted the significance of the initiative, noting that the facility will become the first cell therapy Intelligent Factory™ to drive innovation in biomedicine production.