BioOra welcomes commitment to unlock CAR T-cell therapy in New Zealand
New Zealand’s advanced cell therapy company BioOra welcomes the National Party’s commitment to co‑invest $25 million to expand BioOra’s cell therapy manufacturing, research, and clinical facilities in Christchurch, New Zealand.
The commitment, set out in National’s health policy, “More medicines and earlier care”, issued 6th October 2026, would support the production of CAR T-cell therapy here in New Zealand. The policy also proposes a national clinical trials target, a single front door for trials, and simpler approvals.
“We welcome this commitment. Building CAR T-cell and advanced cellular therapy manufacturing in New Zealand is about sovereign capability, creating skilled jobs, and growing the biotech industry in the South Island. This is about bringing the next generation of cancer treatment closer to home for New Zealanders”, said BioOra Chief Executive John Robson.
“We have engaged constructively with a range of political parties across Parliament and have been encouraged by the support we’ve seen. Sovereign biomanufacturing is a long-term national asset, and we look forward to working with government to ensure that novel cell therapies are available to New Zealanders”.
Malaghan Institute of Medical Research Chief Executive Professor Kjesten Wiig said the Malaghan welcomed National’s commitment to unlocking CAR T-cell therapy in New Zealand.
“Making CAR T-cell therapy a standard of care in the public health system has been the ultimate goal of our research and development of New Zealand’s first CAR T-cell therapy, one shared with BioOra”.
“Investment in the research, development and delivery of advanced therapies in New Zealand is critical for our future health and prosperity as a nation”.
BioOra’s VP of Clinical and Medical Affairs, James Oughton, said the proposed clinical trial measures would also be welcomed across the sector.
“Clinical trials are one of the main ways New Zealanders get access to innovative treatments. A clearer, faster, and more consistent approvals process would make New Zealand a more attractive place to run trials, and that benefits patients, clinicians, and researchers alike”.
BioOra currently manufactures a CAR T-cell therapy (atla-cel) for ENABLE-2, a Phase II trial sponsored by the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research. Our goal is to make this therapy available to New Zealand patients after the trial, subject to regulatory approval. Any therapy BioOra produces will go through New Zealand's independent regulatory and funding processes, including Medsafe, Pharmac, and the Health Technology Evaluation Pathway (HTEP). The trial is expected to close in Q2 2027, and BioOra is committed to providing public access pathways for access to their therapy.
About BioOra
BioOra Limited is a New Zealand biotechnology company focused on developing and manufacturing next-generation CAR T-cell therapies. Founded through a partnership between the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research and Bridgewest Ventures NZ, BioOra is building an automated and scalable manufacturing platform designed to improve patient access to advanced cell therapies in New Zealand, Australia, and international markets.
About CAR T-cell Therapy
CAR T-cell therapy is a type of immunotherapy. A patient’s own immune cells (T-cells) are collected, modified in a laboratory to recognise and attack their cancer, and then returned to the patient. BioOra’s CAR T-cell product (atla-cel) is investigational and has not been approved by Medsafe. This product is currently being advanced through a Phase II trial (ENABLE-2) for a blood cancer, large B-cell lymphoma.
For media interviews:
James Oughton
VP Clinical and Medical Affairs
BioOra Limited
+64 27 297 3280
Gail Marshall
Head of Communications
Malaghan Institute of Medical Research
+64 21 360 432