Bristol-Myers Squibb intends to build a new large-scale multi-product bulk biologics manufacturing facility in Devens, MA, subject to final agreement between the company and the state. Construction is expected to begin by September 2006, and the facility is projected to be operationally complete in 2009. Commercial production of Biologic compounds is anticipated to begin in 2011. Once operational, the site will require an initial workforce of approximately 350 employees. The facility will be designed to accommodate future expansion, which would Lead to a total of approximately 550 employees at the site.

The new manufacturing facility would support increased production capacity for commercially available biologic compounds such as Orencia, and biologic compounds currently in development, including the company's investigational treatments for solid organ transplant rejection and certain types of cancers.

"Biologics offer tremendous potential in treating a number of serious diseases, and they will play a key role in driving our company's future growth and success," said Peter R. Dolan, chief executive officer, BMS. "The investment in the Devens facility represents a significant commitment toward increasing manufacturing capacity so that we can meet future market demand and research production needs for the company's biologic compounds."

Bristol-Myers Squibb also has manufacturing agreements with third-party partners Lonza Biologics Inc. and Celltrion, Inc. An sBLA was recently approved for the production of Orencia at the Lonza manufacturing facility located in New Hampshire.