LG Chem eyes manufacturing plant after securing land in Vacaville

Korean firm LG Chem is considering building its first US biomanufacturing facility after acquiring 15-acres of land from Agenus Bio in Vacaville, California.

LG Chem is one of the world’s largest chemical firms but has rapidly been growing its life sciences business over the past few years. Beyond a portfolio of growth hormones, diabetes medications, and kidney cancer treatments, the firm has a widening pipeline of innovative drugs developed both inhouse and through pharma partnerships.

Now the firm has signaled its intentions to grow its biomanufacturing presence, acquiring land in Vacaville, Solano County, adjacent to Genentech’s legacy site.

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“We can confirm that the site has been secured by LG Chem for future purposes. However, LG Chem is still considering various options. Specific plans and details for the15-acres are yet to be finalized,” Vacaville City manager Aaron Busch said on the City of Vacaville’s website in August.

“We are preparing to assist LG Chem through our Biotechnology Fast Track permitting program to get their site up and operational as quickly as possible, and we will continue to connect them to the resources they need to be successful in Vacaville.”

LG Chem acquired the land from Agenus Bio, the City said. No further details have been divulged.

In August, Agenus announced plans to lay off 25% of its workforce and to sideline several assets in order to focus on its PD-1 antibody in combination with the CTLA-4 antibody botensilimab program.

Beyond LG Chem and the aforementioned Genentech, Vacaville is a hotbed of biomanufacturing. Thermo Fisher has a facility in the city, while Transwestern Ventures (Axiom Point), and Polaris Pharmaceuticals have both recently acquired facilities.

“LG Chem’s transaction demonstrates another advance in the City’s plan to expand its biotechnology footprint and solidify itself as a global center for biomanufacturing,” the City said.