Gene therapy development and manufacturing business expands into Alderley Park

Global cell and gene therapy development and manufacturing business, Charles River, has revealed a move to the Alderley Park science and technology campus.

Charles River will join an existing cluster of drug discovery and development businesses based at the UK’s largest single site life science campus.

The move will allow the firm to increase its High Quality plasmid DNA capacity in response to growing global demand. HQ plasmid is a critical starting material for breakthrough immuno-oncology and CRISPR-based therapies.

Charles River will take a 17,000 sq ft high-specification lab space at Alderley Park, currently under construction, and the gene therapy specialists are also investing £7 million in brand new equipment to support its growing customer base and safeguard future supply. The expansion will also see an additional 50 new jobs created, from apprentices to experienced scientists.

Dr Kath Mackay, director of life sciences at Bruntwood SciTech, which operates Alderley Park and is a joint venture partnership between Bruntwood and Legal & General, said:

“The treatment of rare or intractable diseases demands decades of investment, perseverance and patience in order to identify successful therapies and treatments. 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.”

Nick Smith, Alderley Park site director for Charles River, said:

“We’re excited to expand our fit-for-purpose plasmid DNA and viral vector development and manufacturing capabilities in Europe. 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.

“Alderley Park is an impressive life sciences hub, and we are honoured to join this thriving ecosystem as we grow. This expansion is one of many to follow as we continue to create a strong, integrated global network to reliably support our customers from discovery to commercialisation.”