- Xcellon Biologics has agreed to acquire NextCure’s 40,000-square-foot GMP biologics manufacturing facility in Beltsville, Maryland, adding its first cGMP manufacturing capacity.
- The acquisition expands Xcellon into an end-to-end CRDMO for bioconjugates and complex biologics, with GMP operations expected to begin in December 2026.
Xcellon Biologics has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the GMP biologics manufacturing facility built by NextCure in Beltsville, Maryland. The acquisition provides the company with its first cGMP manufacturing capacity and expands its capabilities from development services to an end-to-end CRDMO offering covering antibody development, bioconjugation, analytical sciences, and contract manufacturing. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, and GMP operations are expected to begin in December 2026.
The 40,000-square-foot facility includes two 1,000-liter single-use bioreactors, a dedicated bioconjugation suite, high-throughput process development capabilities supported by advanced robotics, and analytical and characterization laboratories. According to the company, the acquisition increases Xcellon’s operational footprint nearly sevenfold from its existing 7,000-square-foot laboratory in Rockville, Maryland, while enabling clinical-scale manufacturing of complex biologics.
“This acquisition represents far more than the expansion of our manufacturing capabilities. By integrating antibody development, bioconjugation development, analytical sciences, and GMP manufacturing within a single organization, we are creating a platform that enables innovators to move seamlessly from discovery through clinical supply.”
Abhishake Chhibber, co-founder and newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of Xcellon Biologics
The acquisition follows NextCure’s decision to exit the manufacturing business after announcing a merger agreement with Avere Therapeutics. Xcellon said the facility will support integrated development and manufacturing services, allowing customers to advance complex biologics from cell line development through clinical supply within a single organization.
According to the company, the expanded platform is intended to support growing demand for bioconjugate manufacturing and strengthen its position as a CRDMO focused on antibody-drug conjugates, T-cell engagers, and other complex biologics.
