VectorBuilder, a developer of gene delivery solutions, has announced the construction of an R&D and manufacturing centre in Guangzhou, China. The campus will significantly expand the company’s R&D capabilities and production capacity for both research-use and cGMP-grade gene delivery vectors.
The campus will include a facility with 30 production suites, designed for cGMP manufacturing of plasmids, mRNA, AAV, lentivirus, cell lines and other types of viral and non-viral vectors. It will also offer CRO services, as well as a research institute dedicated to developing more effective gene delivery technologies. The institute will carry out educational activities aimed at training scientists and engineers.
Construction is expected to cost $500m and will be split into two phases over the next four years. There will be approximately 100,000 sqm of floor space capable of housing over 2000 staff members.
Dr Bruce Lahn, Chief Scientist at VectorBuilder, said: “Modern biology is largely built on gene delivery technologies, but until recently, such technologies are mostly limited to research use. With the recent advancement of genetic medicine, gene vectors are now rapidly moving into clinical use, including CAR-T, gene therapy, mRNA vaccines and oncolytic viruses. Some experts predict that in 10 to 20 years, vector-based drugs will become the third pillar of medicine, after small-molecule drugs and protein-based biologics. We are therefore expanding our R&D capabilities, as well as our manufacturing capacity, to continue leading the way in the development of innovative gene delivery technologies that will make research more efficient, and genetic medicine more effective and affordable.”