Vibalogics backs Boston virotherapy facility

Vibalogics, a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that specializes in the production of oncolytic viruses, viral vector vaccines and viral vector gene therapy products, has initiated the first step of its planned $150 million investment in a late-phase clinical and commercial virotherapy manufacturing facility near Boston, MA. The three-year investment plan includes building out a 110,000 sq.-ft. location, which the company expects to be operational by the second half of 2021.

It will contain modern technology and allow for a notable capacity increase, such as 2000L scale bioreactors and additional fill-finish capabilities.

According to Vibalogics CEO Tom Hochuli, the facility will create 100 jobs initially, and 250 positions over the next four years.

The CDMO was recently selected by J&J's Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies as one of its manufacturing partners for its investigational Covid-19 vaccine candidate. The European Commission had previously approved an advance purchase agreement in which Janssen would supply 200 million doses of the vaccine following approval or authorization from regulators.