Amicus Therapeutics has announced plans for a new Global Research and Gene Therapy Centre of Excellence in Philadelphia, US. A biopharmaceutical company based in New Jersey, Amicus said the centre aims to advance its commitment to world-class science that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of people living with rare metabolic diseases.
John Crowley, Amicus CEO and Chairman, commented: “This Amicus Global Research and Gene Therapy Center of Excellence is an important next step in the evolution of our science, research and gene therapy capabilities. In considering locations, Philadelphia became the clear choice as a burgeoning hub for medical breakthroughs."
Philadelphia is a well-regarded ecosystem for biotechnology and gene therapy research and offers an ideal environment for Amicus to advance its pipeline, attract and retain top talent and foster external collaborations within the rare diseases.
Crowley continued: "The proximity to our collaborators at the University of Pennsylvania and other major academic centres and hospitals in the area also provides a tremendous opportunity to advance our commitment to gene therapies. Philadelphia is easily accessible to New Jersey, which has been a strong contributor to our success and will remain the location of our global headquarters."
Jeff Castelli, PhD, Chief Portfolio Officer and newly appointed Head of Gene Therapy
Under construction
During construction of the permanent space, an initial group of Amicus research employees has moved into temporary space in the building at BioLabs@CIC Philadelphia.
Cleanroom Technology understands that Amicus' new 75,000 sqft research facility will be completed in the second half of 2019 and will serve as the headquarters for the global Amicus science organisation and the gene therapy leadership team.
Spearheaded by Jeff Castelli, PhD, Chief Portfolio Officer and newly appointed Head of Gene Therapy, and Hung Do, PhD, Chief Science Officer, the new facility will be located at uCity Square, a 6.5 million square-foot, mixed-use knowledge community consisting of office, laboratory, clinical, residential and retail space designed to enable university and corporate research, entrepreneurial activity and community engagement.
Amicus expects up to 200 employees to eventually be based at the new Philadelphia facility. The company is maintaining global business operations in Cranbury, NJ, and international headquarters in Marlow, UK.
The company pipeline comprises 12 drugs for rare diseases at a different stage of development.