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VECTORS WITHOUT BORDERS
Chief Business Officer Dr. Sébastien Ribault tells us how OXB is expanding its manufacturing network and preparing for product launches
Two years ago, OXB set out to show customers it could do more than develop viral vector technologies. Now, the business is adding manufacturing capacity on two continents as more projects move into late-stage development and commercial production. The transformation marks a period of growth that has touched nearly every part of OXB’ s business. With a larger footprint in Europe and the US, more commercial manufacturing, and a growing program portfolio, OXB has changed its scale and its standing in the cell and gene therapy sector.
Chief Business Officer Dr. Sébastien Ribault has seen customer conversations evolve dramatically at OXB, once known as Oxford Biomedica.“ Oxford Biomedica was really known as a product developer and technology company. It took a couple of years to reposition the business and establish it as a true contract development and manufacturing organization( CDMO).
The market’ s perception of the company has changed in several ways. We’ re now seen as both a lentiviral and adeno-associated virus( AAV) company, and more than a developer- we’ re recognized for our manufacturing capabilities as well.”
The market now brings in a wider range of opportunities and sees customers engaging with OXB both earlier and later in their journey. Many are planning ahead for manufacturing challenges, not just seeking development support.
Sébastien has played a key role in shaping this transformation since joining OXB in 2022. He has driven the commercial strategy behind OXB’ s expansion, adding new facilities, new capabilities, and a bigger presence in the US and Europe. With experience in biotechnology, manufacturing, and gene therapy development, he still draws on that background to guide OXB’ s growth.
OXB started in 1995 as a University of Oxford spinout and has grown alongside
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