AdAlta Limited (ASX:1AD), a clinical-stage biotechnology business focused on developing effective cellular immunotherapies for solid cancers, has welcomed a significant announcement from its cell therapy manufacturing automation partner, Oribiotech Ltd (“Ori”). Ori has entered into a 10-year partnership, valued at up to US$120 million, with an undisclosed commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company. This agreement will integrate Ori’s IRO® platform into the manufacturing process of an already approved and commercialised cell therapy. AdAlta’s ‘East to West’ strategy involves in-licensing products from Asian originators and establishing US FDA-regulated manufacturing for clinical studies, positioning products for on-licensing to larger biopharmaceutical companies.
This landmark agreement provides strong validation for AdAlta’s strategic decision to deploy the IRO® platform for its own cellular immunotherapy pipeline. AdAlta, Ori, and Australian contract manufacturer Cell Therapies Pty Ltd (“CTPL”) previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding in April 2026 to deploy IRO® in Australia and the Asia Pacific region. The IRO® platform is designed to deliver significantly increased output (10 to 50 times more) from the same footprint and achieve 30-50% lower manufacturing costs, alongside more consistent product quality. The commercial adoption of IRO® by an established player for an existing commercial product represents a critical endorsement of its capabilities and industry relevance.
AdAlta CEO and Managing Director, Dr Tim Oldham, highlighted the importance of this development, stating that winning a ten-year commitment of this size for an approved, marketed cell therapy is a remarkable achievement for Ori and holds significant implications for AdAlta shareholders. Dr Oldham noted that a commercial manufacturer deciding to migrate an already-approved product onto IRO® signifies the highest bar of industry validation. He added that AdAlta’s future cellular immunotherapies, which will prioritise IRO® compatibility (excluding EW-001), will be developed on a platform already validated and commercially deployed by the industry, simplifying future partnering discussions and enhancing their commercial prospects.
