OmniaBio Inc., a contract development and manufacturing organization specializing in cell and gene therapies, has entered into a strategic collaboration with BrainChild Bio Inc. to manufacture BCB-276, an innovative CAR-T therapy targeting pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). The partnership announced on October 1, 2025, aims to accelerate the development of this critical treatment for one of childhood's most devastating cancers.
Addressing an Urgent Medical Need
DIPG represents one of the most challenging pediatric cancers, characterized as a rare, aggressive, and universally fatal brain tumor with severely limited treatment options. According to the International DIPG/DMG Registry, patients face a median overall survival of less than one year, highlighting the desperate need for effective therapeutic interventions.
BCB-276 utilizes an autologous approach, re-engineering a patient's own T-cells to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. This innovative CAR-T therapy represents what BrainChild Bio describes as "a significant advance in the fight against pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma."
Clinical Development Strategy
BrainChild Bio is preparing to advance BCB-276 into a Phase 2 multi-center, pivotal registration trial designed to support a potential Biologics License Application (BLA) to the U.S. FDA. The trial will focus on treating children and young adults with DIPG, positioning the therapy as a potential breakthrough treatment for this patient population.
The biotechnology company operates under a "kids-first" philosophy, prioritizing treatments for pediatric brain tumors while extending its technology platform to adult indications, including glioblastoma and brain metastases.
Manufacturing Partnership Details
The collaboration centers on process development and GMP manufacturing of BCB-276 at OmniaBio's cell and gene therapy production facility in Hamilton, Ontario. OmniaBio brings specialized expertise in robotics and artificial intelligence to the manufacturing process, focusing on iPSC and autologous CAR-T production capabilities.
"We're proud to partner with BrainChild Bio, a company that exemplifies patient-centered innovation in pediatric oncology," said Michael May, President and CEO of OmniaBio. "While many CAR-T developers have solely prioritized clinical outcomes, often leaving manufacturing and supply considerations for later, BrainChild is redefining that approach--placing much needed emphasis on reliability, affordability, and thus patient access by working with OmniaBio."
Steven Brugger, CEO of BrainChild Bio, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership: "Establishing a scalable and reliable manufacturing pathway is critical for the success of our CAR-T therapy programs. OmniaBio's deep expertise, commitment to our needs, and advanced facilities make them an ideal partner. This strategic collaboration will significantly augment our ability to scale production and provide reliable and efficient supply for clinical timelines, ultimately bringing hope to patients suffering from devastating brain tumors."
Future Expansion Plans
Both companies anticipate expanding their collaboration beyond BCB-276 to include additional programs as BrainChild Bio's pipeline advances. This suggests a long-term strategic relationship that could support multiple CAR-T therapy candidates targeting central nervous system tumors.
The partnership represents a comprehensive approach to CAR-T development, addressing both the clinical and manufacturing challenges that have historically limited patient access to these advanced therapies. By establishing manufacturing capabilities early in the development process, the collaboration aims to ensure reliable supply chains for future clinical trials and potential commercial distribution.
