AstraZeneca Creates Cell Therapy Manufacturing Facility in Rockville

AstraZeneca is investing $300 million to establish a cell therapy manufacturing facility in Rockville, Md. Developed by Alexandria Real Estate Equites, the Class A+ property is located in the vibrant innovation ecosystem of the Alexandria Center for Life Science at Shady Grove. AstraZeneca has executed a 13-year lease for the entire 84,264-rsf building.

Featuring specialized laboratories and biomanufacturing suites, the three-story structure will enable the production of chimeric antigen receptor therapies (CAR-T) and T-cell receptor therapies (TCR-T) for use in clinical trials. An expansive lobby and commons area will enhance interaction and collaboration, complemented by numerous outdoor terraces, a fitness center, and a café. Serviced by robust mechanical and electrical systems, the sustainably designed project includes separate passenger and freight elevators, dedicated emergency power, and two levels of subterranean parking. Completion is expected in late 2025. 

The base building was designed by Gaudreau, now part of EwingCole, with Soltesz as civil engineer and Whiting-Turner as construction manager.