Celltrion gets FDA approval to produce Bristol-Myers Squibb's Orencia

INCHEON, South Korea The biotech company Celltrion has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration to serve as a contract manufacturer to make Bristol-Myers Squibb’s rheumatoid arthritis drug Orencia, according to published reports.

“We are pleased to continue our strategic business partnership with Bristol-Myers Squibb. Achieving approval from the FDA to manufacture Orencia is an important milestone that reinforces our vision to become a fully integrated global biotechnology company,” said Jung-Jin Seo, chairman and chief executive officer of Celltrion. “Celltrion is dedicated to working with our business partners to exceed their quality requirements while providing manufacturing value. It is our commitment to quality service that will attract other global biopharmaceutical companies to our manufacturing capabilities.”

The supplemental biological license application was submitted by Bristol-Myers Squibb to meet expected demands for the drug.