Global CDMO OXB acquires FDA-approved former Resilience site in Research Triangle

Post-pandemic, international biopharmaceutical companies seeking a reliable U.S. supply chain and streamlined production processes rely on contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs). North Carolina’s long-time leadership in the clinical research organizations (CRO) industry makes it a logical place to expand or build facilities, requiring specialized equipment, government-regulated facilities, and a highly educated and trained workforce.

Industry leaders FUJIFILM Biotechnologies and Genentech each broke ground recently on large manufacturing facilities in Holly Springs. Now North Carolina newcomer OXB, a UK-based CDMO in cell and gene therapy, announced Oct.7 that it has acquired the former Resilience site on Alexander Drive. The 125,000-square-foot facility is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for commercial-scale viral vector manufacturing.

“This acquisition is a major milestone in OXB’s evolution as a global, innovation-led CDMO partner of choice,” said OBX Chief Executive Officer Frank Mathias in the announcement. “The North Carolina facility adds commercial-scale U.S. manufacturing capabilities, accelerating OXB’s ability to meet growing demand from existing clients while supporting new business opportunities. 

“It significantly expands our footprint in the world’s largest cell and gene therapy market and enhances our ability to support clients globally across all major viral vector types and stages of development, particularly those in the adeno-associated virus (AAV) field,” he added. 

AAV affects a wide variety of species, tissues, and cell types and is recognized as a safe, effective method for delivering transgenic therapies.

“We are pleased to welcome OXB to the state and look forward to working with them as they develop valuable new medicines and treatments in our community,” said Laura Rowley, Ph.D., vice president for life science economic development at the North Carolina Biotechnology Center. “Gene and cell therapies continue to provide hope to address difficult-to-treat diseases. As a specialized CDMO, OXB plays an important role in making more gene and cell therapies clinically accessible.”

HealthTech World, a UK biopharma industry website, in a May 2025 commentary, described CDMOs as providing, “… a comprehensive range of services, from early-stage drug development to commercial-scale manufacturing, including essential regulatory support, enabling companies to bring their complex therapies to market more efficiently.

“Their role is increasingly crucial as the industry shifts toward advanced therapies and novel modalities,” the publication noted.

A global market research report from Research and Markets predicted, “The global CMO [contract manufacturing organization]/CDMO biotechnology market is poised for substantial growth… With growing demand for cost-effective, scalable, and high-quality manufacturing solutions, [the U.S.] market is projected to rise from $14 billion in 2025 to $32 billion by 2032.”

Resilience was founded in 2020. The company announced layoffs at the Research Triangle site earlier this year but said it planned to maintain a North Carolina presence. 

OBX has other development and manufacturing facilities across Oxfordshire, UK; Lyon and Strasbourg, France; and Bedford, Mass.