#United States #Oklahoma City #Wheeler Bio #ModularCMC #Jay Benson

Wheeler Bio Appoints Jay Benson as Chief Operating Officer

In a significant development for the biomanufacturing industry, Wheeler Bio, Inc., based in the United States, has announced the appointment of Jay Benson, M.B.A., as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). This strategic move comes at a crucial time as the company enhances its operations to meet the increasing domestic demand for biologics manufacturing.

Strategic Leadership during Growth

Benson brings with him over 20 years of extensive experience in operational leadership, supply chain management, and manufacturing processes for both clinical and commercial products. With a proven track record in scaling complex organizations, he is well-prepared to facilitate Wheeler Bio’s mission of providing agile biomanufacturing capabilities for biotechnology innovators.

The appointment was officially announced on October 1, 2025, coinciding with the company’s ongoing efforts to expand its manufacturing capabilities and adapt to the evolving landscape of the biopharmaceutical industry. Patrick Lucy, the President and CEO of Wheeler Bio, expressed excitement over Benson’s addition to the team, stating, "We are thrilled that Jay has decided to join the Wheeler Bio team at this pivotal point in our growth journey. Jay's extensive biologics manufacturing experience will benefit both Wheeler and our clients as we work to scale the organization."

A Vision for the Future

As COO, Benson will oversee all manufacturing, supply chain, and operational functions within the company. His leadership will be instrumental in driving efficiency and readiness at Wheeler Bio while it accelerates its growth trajectory. Benson commented on his new role by expressing his honor in joining the team and his enthusiasm to contribute to the company’s ongoing development. "Together we will continue to build on Wheeler's significant achievements, and I am excited to contribute to its continued growth and development," he stated.

High-Science, High-Touch Approach

Wheeler Bio identifies itself as a high-science, high-touch contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO). Their well-regarded scientific team possesses robust industry experience, having worked on over 1,400 unique molecules. This expertise forms the backbone of their ambitious goals as they prepare for substantial growth.

The company’s recent milestones further exemplify its commitment to remaining at the forefront of the biopharmaceutical industry. This includes the recent expansion of their state-of-the-art current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) facility located in Oklahoma City, which now boasts an additional 50,000 square feet of customizable space dedicated to biopharmaceutical production. Furthermore, Wheeler Bio has announced strategic partnerships with Pharmefex Consulting and MindImmune Therapeutics, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in streamlining biologics development.

Responding to Market Needs

With geopolitical factors prompting a resurgence in domestic biologics manufacturing, Wheeler Bio is uniquely positioned to serve as a vital partner for biotechnology companies. Their aim is to facilitate faster delivery of therapies to patients while minimizing the risks associated with intellectual property and supply chains. This strategic focus aligns with the growing trend towards reshoring biologics manufacturing to ensure reliability and quality in the production of life-saving therapies.

Conclusion

Wheeler Bio's future appears bright with Jay Benson at the helm of operations. As the company continues to innovate and expand, it remains committed to its mission of accelerating drug discoveries into clinical impacts for partners and the patients they serve. The strategic insights and leadership experience that Benson brings will be crucial as Wheeler Bio navigates the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the biomanufacturing landscape.