Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies held a virtual ground-breaking ceremony on August 19, 2020 to signal the start of its Advanced Therapies Innovation Center construction project. The $55 million building is part of previously announced investments by Fujifilm Corporation.

The 60,000 square foot building will house dedicated process development and innovation laboratories to support advanced therapy projects. It will be part of a 22-acre land parcel acquired by Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies from Lake Walk in June 2020. The laboratories will have BSL-2 capabilities with upstream, downstream and analytical development technologies.

The building will triple the sites' advanced therapies process development capabilities, and bring approximately 100 jobs to the College Station area.

The event was virtually attended by College Station mayor Karl Mooney, county judge Duane Peters, City of Bryan mayor Andrew Nelson, developer Spencer Clements from William Cole Companies, and Mike Gentry, board chair for the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation.

"We remain committed to provide leading, future proofed end-to-end gene therapy solutions, from pre-clinical to commercial launch. This is aligned with core purpose to be a Partner for Life as we support our customers in the advancement of tomorrow's medicines," said Dr. Gerry Farrell, chief operating officer at Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, Texas.

The Advanced Therapies Innovation Center is expected to be operational by fall 2021.