Gene therapy business takes 17,000 sq ft in Alderley Park
Work on Charles River’s lab space at the Bruntwood SciTech development is set to complete this summer.
SPIE is handling the fit-out of the space, which was designed by Fairhursts Design Group. No planning permission was required for the refurbishment as it is all internal works.
Charles River will be occupying two floors at a three-storey building in the park’s Mereside campus. The company both develops and manufacturers end-to-end cell and gene therapy solutions. It will use its new labs to create high-quality plasmid DNA, which can be used in cancer immunotherapy and CRISPR treatments.
“The treatment of rare or intractable diseases demands decades of investment, perseverance and patience in order to identify successful therapies and treatments,” said Bruntwood SciTech director of life sciences Kath Mackay.
“Charles River’s UK expansion and move to Alderley Park signals its commitment to tackling this challenge by driving the development and manufacture of these vital medicines. It also represents Alderley Park’s growing reputation as a globally-recognised life sciences hub.”
The Charles River site director at Alderley Park, Nick Smith, said that the new labs in Cheshire are the first of many expansions for the company.
“We’re excited to expand our fit-for-purpose plasmid DNA and viral vector development and manufacturing capabilities in Europe,” Smith said. “This expansion, in particular, enhances access to plasmid DNA that is in unprecedented demand.
“The additional supply of critical starting materials from a trusted and experienced partner enables therapeutic developers to confidently move forward with their programs and supports our mission to accelerate the delivery of innovative treatments to patients.”
Bruntwood SciTech is a 50:50 joint venture between Bruntwood and Legal & General. The two companies recently revealed they were looking for a potential third partner for the endeavour.
Bruntwood SciTech also unveiled a 200,000 sq ft expansion at Alderley Park earlier this month.
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