Investors Eye Carolina as Vector Capacity Expands

Oxford Biomedica’s new US vector site aims to ease shortages and speed gene therapy development

8 Oct 2025

Oxford Biomedica has expanded its US presence with the purchase of a viral vector manufacturing site in North Carolina, a move that analysts say reflects the industry’s effort to ease long-standing capacity shortages in gene therapy production.

Demand for viral vectors, which are essential for delivering genetic material in treatment, has outpaced available manufacturing slots for several years. Developers have often faced extended waits for access, slowing clinical progress. The added US capacity is expected to offer more predictable production pathways, although any acceleration in development timelines will depend on regulatory milestones, customer demand and programme readiness.

The acquisition aligns with a broader shift toward consolidation as companies seek firmer control over manufacturing routes in a competitive market. One analyst said reliable vector access was becoming a key advantage for gene therapy groups and described the deal as a forward-looking step to reinforce supply chain stability. Oxford Biomedica has said the new facility will help partners move more efficiently from research to clinical and commercial production.

Located in the Research Triangle, the site includes advanced manufacturing suites, testing laboratories and commercial-ready fill and finish operations. Its proximity to a skilled biotech workforce is expected to support scaling, shorten turnaround times and reduce operational disruption for therapy developers.

The sector still faces hurdles, including complex regulatory processes, variable supply chains and the high cost of manufacturing precision genetic treatments. Yet analysts remain broadly optimistic and view the North Carolina expansion as evidence of continued momentum.

The deal underscores expectations that additional capacity will strengthen competition and support the steady progression of gene therapies from laboratory research toward clinical use.