Audentes Therapeutics, an Astellas company focused on developing adeno-associated virus-based genetic medicines, plans to invest $109 million to build a new 135,000-square-foot gene-therapy manufacturing facility in Sanford, North Carolina.

The initial phase of the capital investment is expected to occur over approximately 18 months, and the plant is expected to be operational in 2021. The remaining investment will take place over two additional planned expansion phases. The company plans to create over 200 new jobs in Lee County.

The North Carolina Department of Commerce led the state’s support for the company’s decision. In addition to the North Carolina Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in the project include the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, Lee County, the Sanford Area Growth Alliance, the City of Sanford, and the North Carolina Biotechnology Center.

Source: Audentes Therapeutics