Genzyme To Build R&D Center In Beijing

Genzyme Corp. has plans to build a new R&D center in Beijing as part of its ongoing global expansion and commitment to establishing a long-term presence in China. The total cost for the project is estimated to be $90 million.
   
The new R&D facility will be used for Genzyme’s key areas of focus, including orthopedics, transplant and immune disease, oncology, endocrinology and cardiovascular disease. The facility, which will incorporate a green design, will include laboratory-scale operations for the MACI (matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation) cell therapy and polyclonal antibody operations.
   
“This new site represents a major step forward in our effort to improve the lives of patients in China by introducing innovative new medical products,” said Henri A. Termeer, Genzyme’s chairman and chief executive officer. “As we expand our presence in China, we look forward to making a significant contribution to the growth of the country’s life sciences industry.”
   
Genzyme currently markets Synvisc and Thymoglobulin in China, and is preparing to launch additional products next year. Genzyme currently has 25 employees working in offices in Beijing and Shanghai.
   
The 200,000-sq.-ft. facility will be located in Zhongguancun (ZGC) Life Science Park and will be constructed with low-impact environmental techniques and methods that incorporate a range of green features including: a living roof to reduce pollution caused by storm water runoff; a solar thermal system that will provide a significant portion of the building’s hot water and reduce its energy consumption; and low-flow fixtures to limit water usage. The company is seeking necessary government authorizations and expects to complete and open the facility in 2010. The facility will accommodate 350 employees.
   
Genzyme’s core R&D operations are located in Massachusetts. The company also has a research site in Cambridge, U.K. The Beijing facility will be the company’s second product-focused R&D site outside of the U.S.