OXGENE: Pioneering Cell and Gene Therapy Innovation from Oxford
OXGENE is a leading biotechnology company headquartered in Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK, known for its advanced solutions in cell and gene therapy. Established in 2011, the company has steadily grown into a global innovator, supporting the cutting-edge development of novel therapeutics. As a vital part of WuXi Advanced Therapies, OXGENE leverages state-of-the-art technologies and a strong scientific foundation to empower researchers and biopharmaceutical pioneers worldwide.
With its expansive product range and tailored service offerings, OXGENE plays an instrumental role in accelerating the discovery, development, and manufacturing of gene and cell therapies. This article explores the company’s origins, specialties, headquarters, and its ongoing mission to shape the future of advanced medicine.
OXGENE Oxford: The Biotechnology Hub
Located in the heart of The Oxford Science Park, OXGENE’s headquarters embodies the spirit of innovation that Oxford is renowned for. The facility at Medawar Centre, Robert Robinson Avenue, Littlemore, Oxford, serves as a state-of-the-art hub for biotechnology development.
The strategic positioning within Oxford allows OXGENE to benefit from proximity to top-tier academic institutions, industry partners, and a vibrant biotech community. This ecosystem fosters collaboration and continual advancement in gene therapy technologies, placing OXGENE at the forefront of scientific discovery.
The Evolution and Founding of OXGENE
Founded in 2011, OXGENE began as a pioneering startup focused on creating scalable solutions for plasmid and viral vector production. Over the years, the company expanded its offerings and expertise, rebranding from Oxford Genetics Ltd. to OXGENE in 2019 to better reflect its evolving role in the cell and gene therapy landscape.
In 2021, OXGENE was acquired by WuXi AppTec, a global leader in contract development and manufacturing. This acquisition integrated OXGENE into the WuXi Advanced Therapies (WuXi ATU) business unit, broadening its capabilities and global reach.
The partnership with WuXi solidified OXGENE’s position as a key contributor to the fast-growing field of gene therapies, providing clients with comprehensive platforms and services designed to expedite therapeutic innovation.
Specialties and Technological Strengths of OXGENE
OXGENE’s reputation in the biotechnology sector stems from its extensive product portfolio and expert services tailored specifically for gene and cell therapy applications. The company’s specialties include:
Largest Collection of Standardised Plasmids
One of OXGENE’s flagship offerings is its extensive library of standardised plasmids. These plasmids act as essential molecular tools in gene editing and expression, enabling researchers to build complex DNA constructs efficiently. OXGENE’s plasmids are modular, well-characterised, and designed for compatibility with various expression systems, supporting a wide range of therapeutic targets.
DNA Services
OXGENE offers DNA synthesis and custom DNA design services, providing clients with precision-engineered genetic materials that meet stringent quality requirements. Their expertise ensures high fidelity and scalability, vital for the early stages of therapeutic research.
Protein Production Services
Protein expression and purification are crucial components of drug development. OXGENE provides protein production services leveraging advanced expression systems, facilitating the generation of proteins needed for therapeutic and diagnostic research.
Virus Services
A significant specialty of OXGENE is in viral vector production, a cornerstone of gene therapy delivery methods. The company provides viral vector engineering and production services, including adeno-associated virus (AAV) and lentiviral vectors, enabling efficient and reliable gene delivery.
Cell Line Development Services
OXGENE supports clients by developing stable cell lines tailored to specific production needs, optimising yields and ensuring consistent product quality. Their cell line development expertise accelerates the transition from discovery to manufacturing.
WuXi OXGENE: A Powerful Collaboration
The acquisition of OXGENE by WuXi AppTec transformed the company into an integral component of WuXi Advanced Therapies. WuXi OXGENE now operates as part of a global contract testing, development, and manufacturing organisation (CTDMO) dedicated to supporting cell and gene therapy innovators.
This synergy combines OXGENE’s cutting-edge technology platforms with WuXi’s extensive manufacturing infrastructure and regulatory expertise. The collaboration enables end-to-end solutions from early-stage research through to clinical and commercial-scale production, helping clients navigate complex development pathways with speed and confidence.
OXGENE Website and Contact Information
For more detailed information about products, services, and career opportunities, visit the official OXGENE website at https://oxgene.com.
The company is reachable by phone at +44 1865 415 107. The office hours typically begin at 8 am, located at:
First Floor, Medawar 1,
Robert Robinson Avenue,
The Oxford Science Park,
Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX4 4GA, United Kingdom
This central location within the renowned science park highlights OXGENE’s commitment to maintaining its cutting-edge research and development capabilities in one of the UK’s most vibrant biotech clusters.
Company Size and Culture
OXGENE currently employs between 51 and 200 staff, including 26 LinkedIn-associated members who publicly list their employment there. The company prides itself on fostering a collaborative, innovative culture that prioritises scientific excellence and customer-centric service.
The staff comprises experts in molecular biology, protein engineering, virology, cell line development, and bioprocessing, ensuring comprehensive expertise is available to tackle clients’ challenges in gene and cell therapy development.
The Future of OXGENE and Cell and Gene Therapy
With the global gene therapy market growing rapidly, OXGENE is well-positioned to continue as a pivotal contributor to medical breakthroughs. Its commitment to innovation, supported by WuXi’s global reach, enables it to scale technologies and deliver tailored solutions.
Advances in automation platforms and proprietary technologies, such as standardized plasmid libraries and viral vector production systems, enable OXGENE to support therapies addressing rare diseases, cancers, and genetic disorders.
As research progresses and new therapies move into clinical trials and commercialisation, companies like OXGENE will remain essential to overcoming manufacturing challenges and ensuring therapies are safe, effective, and accessible.
Conclusion
OXGENE, based in Oxford, UK, and a key part of WuXi Advanced Therapies, stands as a beacon of innovation in the biotechnology sector. With its comprehensive portfolio of standardised plasmids, DNA services, viral vector production, and cell line development, OXGENE supports the global scientific community in the race to deliver transformative cell and gene therapies.
Its strategic location within the Oxford Science Park and strong collaborative ties with WuXi AppTec provide the infrastructure and expertise needed to advance therapeutic discoveries from the lab to the clinic.
