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Christchurch's new CAR-T facility bringing 'world first' cancer treatment to NZ

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Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Wed, 21 Oct 2026, 8:50am
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BioOra automates the process of CAR T-cell treatment, targeting blood cancers such as lymphoma and leukaemia. Photo / Supplied

A world-first facility opening in Christchurch could bring cutting-edge cancer treatment closer to home for Kiwi patients. 

BioOra will manufacture CAR-T therapies at the central site, using patients' own genetically modified cells to fight cancer. 

It could eventually treat 150 patients a year, reducing the need for overseas treatment, which can cost more than a million dollars. 

Chief Executive John Robson told Mike Hosking the facility has sophisticated set of laboratories. 

He says there's six in total, with four of them being 'super clean rooms,' where staff will be genetically modifying cells for patients. 

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