BASEL, Switzerland & BEIJING & CAMBRIDGE, Mass.– BeiGene (NASDAQ: BGNE; HKEX: 06160; SSE: 688235), a global biotechnology company, is entering a new phase as it continues to build its U.S. presence. The company announced today that the last piece of structural steel will be laid at its Hopewell, NJ campus today. This new facility will provide state-of-the-art commercial-stage U.S. biologic pharmaceutical manufacturing, late-stage research and clinical development capabilities that complement the company’s existing capabilities around the world.
“The progress we are making in building our flagship U.S. biologics manufacturing and R&D facility at the Princeton West Innovation Campus is especially important to BeiGene as we continue to expand our global business through new approvals, including the FDA’s recent approval of BRUKINSA for adult patients with CLL in the U.S.,” said John V. Oyler, co-founder, chairman and CEO of BeiGene. “Adding these manufacturing and R&D capabilities in the U.S. is a major step toward fulfilling our vision to create impactful medicines that will be affordable and accessible to far more cancer patients around the world.”
The new campus will have approximately 400,000 square feet of dedicated commercial-stage biologic pharmaceutical manufacturing space with the ability to add 600,000 more over time. First announced in 2021, BeiGene’s investment in this project is expected to total approximately $700 million. Construction is expected to be complete next year.
“Serving the needs of cancer patients requires a focus on the big picture without losing sight of the needs of the individual patient,” said Amy J. Sutton, CEO of Crossroads4Hope, A Network of Cancer Support, a nonprofit organization committed to transforming the cancer experience for patients and their families across New Jersey. “While BeiGene’s new center will undoubtedly address that big picture by developing and manufacturing new medicines, as advocates we truly appreciate the company’s partnership in supporting and listening to people affected by cancer.”
As construction continues, BeiGene is already beginning to hire, with nearly 100 employees expected by the end of 2023 and more to come once construction is complete. The company is actively working with local business groups, educational institutions, and industry associations to tap into this community’s deep life sciences talent pool.
“Hopewell Township is pleased to see BeiGene following through with its plans to build a state-of-the-art center here,” said Hopewell Township Mayor Michael Ruger. “We are excited that our talented and experienced workforce will have the opportunity to help BeiGene develop and manufacture lifesaving medicines.”
To celebrate this construction milestone, the company held a “topping off” ceremony during which local officials, patient advocates and BeiGene colleagues signed the last steel beam to be put in place.
Drone footage of the steel beam being lowered into place will be available upon request after the ceremony. (IANS)
