Pharmaceutical

Eli Lilly and Company embarked on a year-long process to create a new collaborative and flexible space model dubbed CoLAB. In order to achieve the flexibility they aim for, Lilly is employing the use of ceiling infrastructure and innovative fume hoods, the design of which ultimately saved hundreds of thousands of dollars. CoLAB’s purpose is to collocate previously separated groups into a new research campus, specifically stressing collaboration, innovation, and speed-to-market of new therapies. The initiative is designed to address constraints caused by both geographic separation and aging facilities in the Small Molecule Design and Development (SMDD) organization, the group that is responsible for the scale-up work that acts as the bridge between research and manufacturing.

Roche Diagnostics has leased research space in NB Development Group’s Boston Landing. Roche will take occupancy of the approximately 29,000-sf facility, which is located in a 246,405-sf structure at 80 Guest Street, in early 2018. Proteostasis Therapeutics will also occupy a similar footprint in the building in early 2018.

Ferring Pharmaceuticals is planning to construct a 124,000-sf headquarters and research facility in Copenhagen. Designed by Foster + Partners, the facility will provide collaborative biopharmaceutical labs and offices to support the development of innovative products in the fields of reproductive health, urology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, and orthopedics. The building will include six stories above grade and two basement levels.

SAB Biotherapeutics began construction in August of 2017 on an agricultural production facility for antibody therapeutics. The 80-acre ‘pharm’ will accommodate transgenic cattle which produce plasma in reaction to a vaccine, providing a source of natural human polyclonal antibodies. The facility is located adjacent to SAB’s existing corporate headquarters and is slated for completion in spring of 2018.

The Institute of Cancer Research is planning to build a £70 million facility in Sutton, one of the southernmost boroughs of London. Accommodating multidisciplinary drug discovery research, the 75,000-sf project will house 275 investigators, including cancer biologists, evolutionary scientists, medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, data scientists, and clinicians. Occupancy is expected in mid-2020. 

Auburn University opened the $16.6 million Pharmaceutical Research Building in June of 2017 in Auburn, Ala. Providing laboratories and offices for the Harrison School of Pharmacy, the 37,000-sf facility features collaborative open research spaces that are shared by multiple faculty members. A vivarium is located on the first floor of the building, and the second floor houses the Specialized Pharmaceutical and Experimental Center for Translational Research and Analysis (SPECTRA). The duration of construction was 16 months. 

Bayer HealthCare opened a $100 million pharmaceutical testing laboratory in July of 2017 in Berkeley, Calif. Featuring a sophisticated HVAC system with robust filtration controls, the three-story facility will support research, development, and quality control operations for the production of Bayer’s hemophilia A treatments. LEED Gold sustainable design certification will be sought for the project.

Eli Lilly completed a $90 million expansion of its San Diego biotechnology center in June of 2017. The 180,000-sf facility features the Life Science studio, a technology-rich laboratory suite supporting advanced drug discovery and development. Promoting global collaboration and innovation in the design, synthesis, and screening of molecules, the center will accommodate research in immunology, diabetes, oncology, and neurodegeneration. 

Pfizer broke ground in June of 2017 on a $200 million research and development facility in Chesterfield, Mo. Housing the BioTherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences group, the 295,000-sf project will enable the advancement of Pfizer’s biologics, vaccines, and gene therapy portfolio. Designed by Forum and EwingCole, the facility will feature flexible laboratories, open offices, and collaboration spaces with advanced conferencing technologies.

Jinyu Bio-technology will break ground in July of 2017 on a vaccine research facility in the Kansas State University Office Park. Supporting the development of new animal health products, the project will include a 2,400-sf lab, three offices, and 800 sf of cleanroom space. Completion is expected in 2018. The siting of the lab near the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, currently under construction, will support research and development synergies with government, academic, and industry partners. Jinyu Bio-technology is based in Hohhot, China.

Merck and Stelis Biopharma opened a joint bioprocess scale-up lab in May of 2017 in Bengaluru, India. Located in the Jigani industrial park, the facility will provide end-to-end solutions from process development to scale-up manufacturing for pre-clinical, clinical, and commercial supply of biological APIs (active pharmaceutical ingredients). A cGMP manufacturing plant featuring Merck's portfolio of Mobius® bioprocessing equipment is also under construction at the site. 

Cody Laboratories began construction in April of 2017 on a $50 million pharmaceutical production plant in Cody, Wyo. Sited on 21 acres, the 43,000-sf facility will manufacture prescription drugs. Completion is expected in late 2018.

The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYCSF) opened its 40,000-sf Research Institute in Manhattan in April of 2017. Designed by Ennead Architects, the project accommodates NYCSF’s headquarters and includes a lecture hall, conference rooms, collaboration areas, and flexible laboratories.

AmerisourceBergen Specialty Group is creating a $113 million pharmaceutical campus in Carrollton, Texas. Designed by Gensler, the 300,000-sf build-to-suit facility will be leased by AmerisourceBergen for 12.5 years and will ultimately accommodate up to 2,000 employees. Occupancy is expected in 2019. AmerisourceBergen is a pharmaceutical sourcing and distribution company based in Valley Forge, Pa. 

Veterinary pharmaceutical firm HIPRA is planning to begin construction in mid-2017 on its North American headquarters in Mantua Township, N.J. Located on 25 acres in the South Jersey Technology Park at Rowan University, the 375,000-sf facility will house research and development labs for the creation of animal health vaccines. The $100 million project will be developed in several phases and will include manufacturing, distribution, and warehouse space. HIPRA is based in Girona, Spain.