PackGene Biotech Commences Construction on cGMP Complex

PackGene Biotech Inc., an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector contract research organization (CRO) and contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), has officially launched construction on its new current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) biomanufacturing and process development facility in Houston. Expected to be complete by the end of the year, the 25,000 square-foot space aims to employ a total 60 people, nearly tripling the company’s workforce in the area.

As an expansion of existing operations, the new building will include process and analytical laboratories, cGMP manufacturing cleanrooms and support areas, quality control laboratories, a warehouse, and office space. According to the company, the primary focus of the facility will be to support a growing base of US customers who are looking to advance their gene therapy programs.

“We are excited to bring economical, reliable, and scalable AAV products, as well as our viral vector development and GMP production capabilities, to our next full-service operations center in Houston,” says LiYing Yang, PackGene’s chief technology officer. “These capabilities will enable us to serve our U.S. customers better and, importantly, to help bring life-saving therapies to patients faster, more reliably, and more cost- effectively.