Audentes to Invest $109 Million into Gene Therapy Manufacturing Facility

Audentes Therapeutics, an Astellas company focused on developing genetic medicines, announced on Feb. 18, 2020 that it is building a gene therapy manufacturing facility in Sanford, NC for $109 million.

According to a company press release, the 135,000-ft² facility will be constructed over 18 months and is expected to be operational in 2021. The facility addition will create over 200 new jobs for the company.

“Our investment in large-scale manufacturing has always been a cornerstone of our strategy to develop and ultimately deliver our important genetic medicines to patients as rapidly as possible. This new facility in Sanford will support the next phase of our growth as we establish a robust, global supply chain and expand our therapeutic and geographic scope as a part of the Astellas group of companies,” said Natalie Holles, president and CEO of Audentes, in the press release. “We are excited to join the vibrant biopharmaceutical research and manufacturing community that the state of North Carolina has established.”

“With our powerhouse research centers and highly skilled workforce, biotech pioneers recognize North Carolina’s role as a leader in the life sciences,” added North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, in the press release. “Lee County is a perfect fit for Audentes as they seek to become a global leader in genetic medicines.”

Source: Audentes