BMS’s New Facility, Recursion–Genentech Partnership, Long-COVID and Persistent C. auris

Bristol Myers Squibb recently announced plans to construct a $2.3 billion multi-modal manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas. This state-of-the-art campus will support drug product and finished goods manufacturing from late development through launch. The partnership isn't limited to BMS, as Recursion, Roche, and Genentech have also joined forces to co-develop a groundbreaking neuroscience discovery program. This program is built upon the discovery of the first validated target through an AI map.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new large NIH-funded study has shed light on the potential for COVID-19 to reactivate dormant viruses, including Epstein-Barr and cytomegalovirus. This discovery adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing understanding of long-term effects of the virus.

Meanwhile, the news of a drug-resistant Candida auris strain has raised concerns in the medical community. Researchers have discovered that this persistent fungal strain can infiltrate hair follicles by exposing chitin, which subsequently triggers interferon-γ. This immune response, while intended to suppress skin defenses, inadvertently creates an environment conducive to fungal colonization. This revelation highlights the complexity of infectious diseases and the need for continued research in this area.

The GEN newsroom has linked to various articles related to these stories, including "BMS Chooses Houston for $2.3B Manufacturing Facility" by Alex Philippidis, published on August 10, 2026. Another noteworthy piece is "Recursion Partners with Genentech to Advance First Validated Neuro Target Discovered Through AI Map," also penned by Philippidis and published on August 5, 2026.

Additionally, an article exploring the impact of COVID-19 on dormant viruses and long COVID has been published, titled "COVID-19 Reactivates Dormant Viruses, Offering New Clues to Long COVID," also by Philippidis on August 5, 2026.