Viral Vector Manufacturing Facility Pty Ltd (VVMF), Australia’s first commercial viral vector Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO), today announces that it has entered into a licensing and option agreement with OXB (LSE: OXB), a global quality and innovation-led cell and gene therapy CDMO.
Further to the non-binding terms sheet signed in October 2025, this agreement provides VVMF with a worldwide, non-exclusive license to the OXB proprietary inAAVate™ platform know-how and intellectual property, with an option to extend the license to cover the OXB proprietary LentiVector™ platform. In return, OXB will receive a license fee and is eligible for future payments related to the use of its platforms.
The five-year license underpins the strategic collaboration between OXB and VVMF, enabling VVMF to accelerate its operational and commercial readiness to provide advanced viral vector technologies to customers, capturing global demand with a particular focus on the fast-growing APAC region, and positioning Australia as a regional hub for high-quality Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) manufacturing.
As Australia’s only viral vector CDMO, VVMF offers emerging CGT biopharma companies a globally competitive pathway for viral vector development and GMP manufacturing, via strong geopolitical stability, access to generous R&D tax incentives (of up to 43%), a globally recognised regulatory framework, and strong IP and data protections. The cumulative effect of these benefits allows companies to progress to clinic faster, with reduced development
risk and greater capital efficiency.
Stephen Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of VVMF, said: “Access to the OXB platforms gives us a strong foundation as we continue to build our capabilities, leveraging OXB’s expertise and global brand recognition to establish a leadership position in the APAC region. The collaboration will help us accelerate operational readiness and ensure our processes are aligned with recognised industry standards. We look forward to working closely with the OXB team as we establish reliable and scalable manufacturing capabilities.”
Dr Sébastien Ribault, Chief Business Officer of OXB, said: “This agreement is a strong endorsement of OXB’s position as a world-leading viral vector CDMO. It demonstrates the robustness and adaptability of our platforms, technologies, and quality systems, enabling other organisations to benefit from the high standards we’ve established in viral vector manufacturing. Partnering with VVMF not only gives us a strategic foothold in Australia but also creates a launchpad to serve clients across the APAC region, further strengthening the global foundation for reliable AAV and lentiviral vector production”.