Catalent wins access to Iro and launches next-gen development platform

Oct 7, 2026
A bioreactor in a biopharmaceutical lab filled with cell culture medium.AI-generated from publicly available materials.

Catalent is solidifying its position in next-generation drug development through a strategic partnership with Ori Biotech, aimed at accelerating the production of cell and gene therapies.

This collaboration allows Catalent to join Ori’s Preferred Partner Network, which includes various academic medical centers and contract development and manufacturing organizations. By integrating Ori’s Iro platform, Catalent aims to enhance the efficiency of its development and manufacturing processes for autologous cell therapies, which utilize patients' own cells. The partnership is expected to leverage Catalent's extensive resources and expertise to broaden access to these personalized therapies.

The Iro platform is designed to automate the most labor-intensive phases of cell and gene therapy production, combining advanced hardware, software, and data analytics to streamline operations. Its recent FDA designation as an advanced manufacturing technology underscores its potential to improve production rates and cut costs, further validating the partnership's significance. Just prior to the Catalent announcement, Ori secured a major deal with a biopharma company, highlighting the platform's growing industry influence.

In conjunction with this partnership, Catalent recently unveiled its accelerated gene-to-drug program, which aims to expedite the development of complex biologics, including bispecific antibodies. This initiative aligns with Catalent's ambition to transition from a traditional CDMO to a comprehensive development partner, emphasizing its commitment to delivering transformative therapies. By standardizing the biologic pipeline and significantly reducing development timelines, Catalent is positioning itself as a key player in the evolving landscape of high-value medicine.

Read the original article: Fierce Pharma