Bristol Myers sees automation, virtual reality on the horizon for pair of new CAR-T manufacturing plants

Even as more cell therapies push past the finish line, questions about how to make the personalized medicines swiftly and dependably persist. For Bristol Myers Squibb, which is standing up two new cell factories, automation and high-tech training will form twin jewels in its production crown, an exec said.

Making cell therapies such as BMS' recently approved CAR-T meds Breyanzi and Abecma is a highly personal process. There's apheresis, when T cells are gathered straight from the patient, plus the process of re-engineering the cells and getting them quickly back to patients.