Biomed specialist appoints WHP to deliver expansion project

Gene and cell therapy Oxford BioMedica have appointed a multi-disciplinary engineering company to help expand its bioprocessing operations and manufacturing capabilities.

WHP will design and construct a new viral manufacturing centre for Oxford BioMedica to help it meet expected long term demand for its advanced therapy medical products.

Work on the facility will start with a highly specialised conversion of a former Royal Mail sorting office. The building will be converted into GMP cleanroom suites and fill and finish production areas, as well as offices, warehousing and quality control laboratories.

The contract was awarded to WHP after the company successfully completed another project for Oxford BioMedica in 2015.

Ian Lichfield, chief executive of WHP, said: “Continuing our association with Oxford BioMedica and being able play a part in the successful development of these life-changing and cutting edge new medical technologies is fantastic for WHP.

“Every cleanroom development requires scrupulous attention to detail in terms of design, engineering and installation and it is particularly satisfying that the duty of care and quality of installation we provided on the original lentiviral vector manufacturing plant has resulted in our involvement in this new and exciting project.”