Vertex doubles down on Massachusetts CGT capabilities

Vertex Pharmaceuticals announced it will build a $595 million facility during the dedication of its Center for Cell and Genetic Therapies building in Boston this week.

Vertex became a serious player in the advanced therapy space in 2019 through a series of deals, including the $245 million acquisition of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and myotonic dystrophy type 1 gene therapy developer Exonics, and the $950 million acquisition of type 1 diabetes stem cell developer Semma Therapeutics.

The same year, the firm announced the establishment of a cell and gene research and manufacturing site in the Boston area, which was dedicated this week under the name ‘Jeffrey Leiden Center for Cell and Genetic Therapies.’

Image: Stock Photo Secrets

But during the dedication, the firm has announced it is to begin the construction of a second facility to support the rapid growth of cell and gene therapies within Vertex’ pipeline.

The 344,000 square-foot expansion at Boston’s Seaport will house labs, offices, and manufacturing capabilities for approximately 500 additional employees, and the two facilities together will be known as the Leiden Campus.

“This expansion is a sign of our deep commitment to Boston and the larger Massachusetts innovation ecosystem,” said Jeffrey Leiden, executive chairman at Vertex. “These buildings represent a further significant investment in our unique R&D strategy, to transform the lives of people with serious diseases, like sickle cell disease and type 1 diabetes, using cutting-edge genetic and cell-based therapies.”

Vertex CEO Reshma Kewalramani added: “Vertex is at a new inflection point, and our continued expansion will enable our continued growth as we work to bring many more transformative — if not curative — medicines to patients who are waiting.”

According to a spokesperson, the project will cost around $595 million in total and be completed in 2025.