BeiGene Opens New Jersey-Based Biologics Manufacturing and Clinical R&D Site

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Editor's note: this story was originally published on BioPharmInternational.com.

Oncology company BeiGene has opened its new biologics manufacturing facility at the Princeton West Innovation Campus in Hopewell, NJ. The $800 million facility represents the company’s flagship facility in the United States and also houses a clinical R&D center. The investment is part of the company's strategic goal to expand its integrated manufacturing and R&D footprint in the US, according to a July 23, 2024 company press release.

BeiGene has more than 30 molecules at clinical- or commercial-stage development. The new 42-acre facility gives the company flexibility to scale production of these drug candidates presently and in the future to meet cancer patient needs. The Hopewell site comprises approximately 400,000 ft2 of space dedicated to commercial-stage biologic manufacturing capacity and includes additional space to expand over time as BeiGene’s pipeline matures.

The facility strengthens BeiGene’s late-stage research and clinical development capabilities. The company’s oncology pipeline addresses 80% of global cancers using modalities such as targeted degraders and antibody drug conjugates as well as monoclonal antibodies and traditional small molecules. The new facility enables the company to produce at scale, which reduces costs and ensures supply chain resiliency. The company aims to avoid global disruptions, protect capacity, and rapidly adapt to the latest innovative modalities, according to a company press release.

“BeiGene has experienced unprecedented global growth, and the addition of our facility at the Princeton West Innovation Campus adds manufacturing and clinical development capabilities that will further strengthen our differentiated strategy, which leverages speed, efficiency, and technology to advance quality medicines faster for patients,” said John V. Oyler, co-founder, chairman, and CEO of BeiGene, in the press release. “We are proud to be a part of New Jersey’s biopharmaceutical community that is rich in research and development and manufacturing talent. We look forward to deepening our relationships with key regional research institutions as we advance our robust pipeline of next-generation hematology and solid tumor medicines and continue to emerge as a leading global oncology innovator.”

The company expects to create hundreds of skilled high-tech jobs at the site by the end of 2025. BeiGene initially announced its intent to build on the Hopewell site in November 2021 (1).

“I am thrilled by BeiGene’s contribution to our state’s thriving biopharmaceutical sector,” said Governor Phil Murphy, in the release. “The opening of BeiGene’s flagship campus underscores our commitment to fostering innovation and creating high-tech jobs in the Garden State. We look forward to the positive impact BeiGene will have on our economy and the advancements they will bring to cancer treatment. This significant investment highlights New Jersey’s role as a global leader in pharmaceutical manufacturing, research, and development. We are proud to support BeiGene’s mission to develop affordable and accessible treatments for cancer patients worldwide.”

As part of BeiGene’s sustainability efforts, the company has invested in sustainability measures both in the buildings and surrounding the 42 acres of the site. These measures include a heating and cooling system that employs recycled wastewater from the onsite wastewater treatment plant for the cooling towers and solar-ready capability.

Reference

1. BeiGene. BeiGene Closes on Property for New U.S. Manufacturing and Clinical R&D Center. Press Release, Nov. 23, 2021.

Source: BeiGene