Genzyme to build new r&d centre in Beijing
US-based Genzyme Corp. is to build a major new US$90m (Euro 56.5m) research and development centre in Beijing as part of its commitment to establishing a long-term presence in China.
US-based Genzyme Corp. is to build a major new US$90m (Euro 56.5m) research and development centre in Beijing as part of its commitment to establishing a long-term presence in China.
The new facility will be used for r&d activities involving many of Genzyme's key areas of focus, including orthopaedics, transplant and immune disease, oncology, endocrinology and cardiovascular disease. The facility, which will feature an innovative green design, will also include laboratory-scale operations for the MACI (matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation) cell therapy and polyclonal antibody operations.
Genzyme already markets Synvisc (hylan G-F 20) and Thymoglobulin (anti-thymocyte globulin rabbit) in China, and is preparing to introduce additional products next year. The company also has a pilot programme at Beijing Wujing Hospital for the cell therapy product MACI. Genzyme currently has 25 employees working in offices in Beijing and Shanghai.
Genzyme's new Beijing facility will be located in Zhongguancun (ZGC) Life Science Park, an area dedicated to academic and government research centres as well as pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. The company is seeking necessary governmental authorisations and expects to complete and open the facility in 2010. The facility will be able to accommodate 350 employees.
"This new site represents a major step forward in our effort to improve the lives of patients in China by introducing innovative new medical products," said Henri A. Termeer, Genzyme's chairman and ceo. "As we expand our presence in China, we look forward to making a significant contribution to the growth of the country's life sciences industry."
The 200,000ft2 building will be constructed with low-impact environmental techniques and methods, and will incorporate a range of environmentally responsible features, including: a living roof to reduce pollution caused by storm water runoff; a solar thermal system that will provide a significant portion of the building's hot water and reduce its energy consumption; and low-flow fixtures to limit water usage.
An all-glass exterior will provide employees with significant natural light, contributing to a pleasant working environment and reducing the facility's dependence on electricity for artificial lighting. The company intends to seek certification for the building with the US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system.
Genzyme's core research and development operations are located in Massachusetts, US, and it also has a research site in Cambridge, UK. The Beijing facility will be the company's second product-focused r&d site outside the US.