AstraZeneca Investing $300 Million into New Cutting-Edge Cell Therapy Facility in Maryland
February 6, 2024
In a recent press release, Governor Wes Moore announced a groundbreaking initiative that positions Maryland at the forefront of the growing cell therapy field. AstraZeneca, the renowned global science-led biopharmaceutical company, will launch its life-saving cell therapy platforms in the U.S. for critical cancer trials and future commercial supply with the establishment of a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at 9950 Medical Center Drive in Rockville, Maryland.
This endeavor involves a significant investment of $300 million by AstraZeneca, culminating in the creation of a cutting edge new facility. This new facility will serve as the epicenter for AstraZeneca’s life-saving cell therapy platforms within the United States. Its primary focus will be facilitating critical cancer trials and supporting future commercial supply requirements.
Governor Wes Moore expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “AstraZeneca and the State of Maryland share a deep commitment to innovation. It makes us the perfect pairing for this next-generation cell therapy facility. This significant investment in our life sciences sector will help maintain Maryland’s leadership in the industry and sharpen our competitive edge.”
Anticipated to be fully operational by 2026, the facility will become home to approximately 150 skilled professionals, pioneering a range of cutting-edge technologies dedicated to delivering life-saving cell therapies. AstraZeneca also reaffirms its commitment to retaining its 4,500 employees at existing facilities throughout Montgomery County.
The 84,000 square-foot space will initially focus on the manufacturing of CAR-T cell therapies, enabling cancer clinical trials worldwide. As time progresses, the site may broaden its scope to support other disease areas, further enhancing its global impact.
Pam Cheng, AstraZeneca’s Executive Vice President of Global Operations & IT and Chief Sustainability Officer, shared her excitement, stating, “This new $300 million investment will accelerate our ambition to make next-generation cell therapy a reality, ensuring that we are ready to scale and meet the demands of patients.”
To facilitate this visionary project, the Maryland Department of Commerce is actively working to approve a $500,000 conditional loan through the Advantage Maryland program. Montgomery County is also pledging its support with a $100,000 conditional grant via its Economic Development Fund. Additional incentives, including the More Jobs for Marylanders program and the state’s Job Creation Tax Credit, are available to AstraZeneca.
Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Kevin Anderson expressed his gratitude, saying, “We look forward to watching this facility become a major player for the company and the life sciences community in Maryland.”
Strategically located less than five miles from one of AstraZeneca’s five global research and development centers, the Rockville facility is nestled within Montgomery County’s burgeoning life sciences corridor. With close proximity to several universities, this location serves as an attractive hub for ongoing talent recruitment. This facility will seamlessly integrate into AstraZeneca’s global supply network, which boasts nearly 30 manufacturing and supply sites across 16 countries, either operational or under development.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich commended AstraZeneca’s decision, stating, “AstraZeneca’s decision to invest and build its CAR-T therapy manufacturing operation in Montgomery County affirms our role as a global leader in cell therapy and related technologies.”
Bill Tompkins, President and CEO of Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation, echoed this sentiment, saying, “We join Governor Moore, County Executive Elrich, and all of our partners and stakeholders in congratulating AstraZeneca for their continued expansion.”
AstraZeneca’s commitment to the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines in various therapeutic areas, including oncology, rare diseases, cardiovascular, renal, metabolism, and respiratory and immunology, will undoubtedly contribute to advancing global healthcare. Based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, AstraZeneca’s innovative medicines continue to positively impact millions of patients worldwide.
For more information about AstraZeneca’s groundbreaking initiatives, visit astrazeneca.com.
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Over the past 11 years, Chris has grown BioBuzz into a respected brand that is recognized for its community building, networking events and news stories about the local biotech industry. In addition, he runs a Recruiting and Marketing Agency that helps companies attract top talent through a blended model that combines employer branding and marketing services together with a high powered recruiting solution.
