Beijing-based Pharmaron has secured support from the UK government to expand its viral vector and DNA manufacturing facilities in Speke, Liverpool.
The firm’s UK-based subsidiary, Gene Therapy CDMO, has received a grant from the Life Sciences Innovation Manufacturing Fund. The total investment in capital and people for this expansion is estimated to be in the region of £151m.
The project, spanning across 86,000 sq ft, will allow the firm to increase its gene therapy process development and analytical capacity accommodating viral vector, DNA and RNA drug substance, plus drug product formulation. It will also include more than 37,000 sq ft of space to be dedicated for future commercial-scale GMP capacity.
The new building is expected to be completed in 2024.
Boliang Lou, chairman and chief executive of Pharmaron, said: “Securing this grant demonstrates the UK government’s support and trust in Pharmaron to continuously expand our infrastructure and scientific team at Liverpool to serve the gene therapy and vaccine development community in the UK and abroad.”
The expansion builds on recent approval of Pharmaron’s plans to develop a 400,000 sq ft research and development facility at Estuary Banks in Speke. The life sciences R&D service provider bought the 10.8-acre site from AbbVie in 2021, as part of its $118.7m (£96m) deal to acquire Allergan Biologics.
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