Federal government announces support for cutting-edge, AI- and robotics-enabled cell and gene therapy manufacturing
News release
OmniaBio’s expanded facility in Hamilton seeks to drive a 5X increase in manufacturing efficiency while reducing production and supply costs by up to 50%, facilitating patient access to life-saving treatments for chronic diseases, including cancer
March 22, 2025 – Hamilton, Ontario
The Government of Canada is working tirelessly to build up Canada’s life sciences and biomanufacturing sector to develop safe and effective next-generation treatments. Since March 2020, over $2.3 billion has been invested to rebuild Canada’s vaccines, therapeutics and biomanufacturing capacity across our country.
Today, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced that Canada will work with OmniaBio to expand its facility to manufacture cell and gene therapies and provide production services to companies around the world, strengthening Canada’s participation in global value chains. Cell and gene therapies have the potential to revolutionize the treatment of a broad range of life-threatening diseases.
OmniaBio’s project will be focusing primarily on advanced treatments for chronic diseases, including cancer, autoimmune conditions, diabetes, and cardiovascular and neurological diseases. OmniaBio is seeking to expand its current space at the McMaster Innovation Park facility in Hamilton, Ontario, and invest in artificial intelligence- and robotics-enabled clinical and commercial scale manufacturing.
This groundbreaking project aligns with Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy and will enhance Canada’s leadership position and expertise in this emerging technology area, for the benefit of all Canadians.
Quotes
“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.”
– The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
“Patient access to cell-based cancer therapies has been hindered by high manufacturing costs and complex cold-chain logistics. OmniaBio will complete the transformation of our Hamilton facility into the first cell therapy Intelligent FactoryTM, answering a Canadian and global call for innovation in the production and supply of biomedicines.”
– Mitchel Sivilotti, President and CEO, OmniaBio Inc.
Quick facts
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Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy presents a long-term vision to protect Canadians against future pandemics and other health emergencies and to grow an innovative, competitive domestic life sciences sector.
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OmniaBio Inc. is a technology-focused, global cell and gene therapy contract development and manufacturing organization. A subsidiary of the Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine, OmniaBio harnesses over a decade of expertise in regenerative medicine and advanced therapies. It specializes in immune cell–based therapies, induced pluripotent stem cell therapies and lentiviral vectors, driving advancements in the field and bringing maturity to cell and gene therapy.
Associated links
Contacts
Myah Tomasi
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
Myah.Tomasi@FedDevOntario.gc.ca
343-543-7210
Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
media@ised-isde.gc.ca
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