- VectorBuilder plans to invest $50 million to establish a new Advanced Biomanufacturing and R&D Center in Chicago focused on gene delivery technologies and genetic medicines.
- The facility will combine research, development, and manufacturing capabilities for plasmids, viral and nonviral vectors, and engineered cells, with initial operations expected in 2027.
VectorBuilder announced plans to invest $50 million in a new Advanced Biomanufacturing and R&D Center in Chicago to expand its gene delivery technology and manufacturing operations. The company said the multi-phase project is expected to begin initial operations in 2027, with future expansion linked to customer demand and program scale.
According to VectorBuilder, the facility will integrate research and development with manufacturing capabilities across its gene delivery portfolio. The Center is designed to support plasmids, recombinant viral and nonviral vectors, and genetically engineered cells within a unified workflow intended to support continuity from research-grade materials through GMP manufacturing.
The company stated that the investment reflects increasing demand in the gene and cell therapy sector for platforms that support scalable manufacturing, regulatory compliance, and clinical development. VectorBuilder said the expansion is intended to support programs progressing from discovery into IND-enabling studies and clinical production while reducing fragmentation across development stages.
“This investment reflects our conviction that gene delivery will be a defining factor in the next phase of the industry.”
Dr. Bruce Lahn, Chief Scientist at VectorBuilder
The company said the Chicago Center will complement its operations across the United States, Europe, and Asia while increasing regional manufacturing capacity for North American customers. VectorBuilder also stated that the expansion is expected to support faster turnaround times and closer alignment between R&D and manufacturing activities for gene and cell therapy programs.
