The past year has been one of significant growth for Frederick's life science sector.
We compiled a list of some of the major local expansion and success stories below.
BioFactura
In February 2021, BioFactura announced a contract option activation of over $13 million by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) as part of BioFactura’s prime contract valued at up to $67.4 million for the advanced development of a smallpox biodefense therapeutic. While smallpox was declared eradicated in 1980 by the World Health Organization after an extensive vaccination campaign, the threat of bioterrorism and/or inadvertent release remains. This product has the potential to fulfill an unmet need in preparedness, augment current medical countermeasures and guard against potential resistance.
In May, the company also announced the initiation of a pivotal PK (pharmacokinetics) Phase 1 Clinical Trial for its Ustekinumab Biosimilar (BFI-751), to assess the effects on healthy human volunteers compared to the biologic medicine, Stelera®. Learn more here.
Stage BIO
This past November, St John’s Properties announced a new lease with StageBio — a company active in biopharmaceutical, medical device and contract research industries for 21, 000 SF of space at Riverside Tech Park. The move represents a consolidation of StageBio’s two existing facilities previously operating in the Frederick and Thurmont areas.
Read more about StageBio here.
CarrTech LLC
CarrTech is a medical device company dedicated to solving the unsafe and complicated problem of filtering injectable ampoule-based medications. The company’s innovative product combines the functions of a hypodermic needle and a filter needle into one single and safe-to-use unit. This May, the FITCI-based company was honored as the Maryland Tech Council’s Emerging Life Science Company of the Year.
Watch the Virtual Awards ceremony here.
Transdermal SPECIalities GROUP
Last fall, Frederick welcomed a new life science business to Sagner Ave. The company, Transdermal Specialties Global, is developing innovative drug delivery systems that enhance health and improve quality of life.
The company's first product is a painless, needle-free transdermal insulin delivery patch system. The product has the potential to completely revolutionize diabetes treatment by eliminating the need for needles and insulin pumps. The patented technology has hundreds of future applications as well -- including patches to deliver treatments of Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, migraines, and more.
Learn more in Bio Buzz’s recent conversation with CEO Bruce K. Redding.
MEDIGEn
Medigen Inc. recently acquired additional space in Frederick, MD to double its functional areas and increase productivity. The company is providing vaccine development and contract manufacturing services to develop new vaccines and medications. With the new expansion, Medigen will reach 12,000 SF area including GMP manufacturing, office, laboratory, and support areas. The expansion will result in hiring additional personnel at Medigen and additional contracts to local contractors supporting Medigen's facilities and equipment.
Explore the company here.
VaLogic
VaLogic is a life science-focused risk management services and GMP consulting organization. The company assists other life science organizations with risk mitigations across a wide range of inflection points, including product development, ground-up new facility and renovation or expansion builds, general facility management and GMP operations. The company is currently based in a 15,000 SF facility on Byte Court in The City of Frederick.
This Spring, the company acquired a second facility — a vacant 75,000 SF building at 7495 New Horizon Way. VaLogic plans to adapt the space to offer lab space, clean rooms, testing area, wet labs and air controls for small to medium sized life science firms.
Read more about the plans for VaLogic’s new biotech hub here.
Neighbors in Frederick County
Though outside of City limits, several new developments in the County represent major opportunities for the life sciences for The City of Frederick. The companies world-renowned work will continue to build Frederick’s position in the life science community, attracting top minds and new companies to the area.
Kite Pharma
Kite Pharma, a top bio-medical company focused on developing cancer treatments, is currently constructing a new facility in Urbana, Maryland. The massive new facility will serve as a major regional employment center – hosting an anticipated 400 – 700 employees by the end of 2025. To meet this incredible workforce demand, as well as to harness the opportunities of this unique asset, partnerships have been formed with local higher education institutes — Frederick Community College and Hood College.
As part of the collaboration with Hood College, the pharmaceutical company plans to install state-of-the-art lab equipment and train new employees & students in cell therapy manufacturing in a new 400 SF lab area located within the college’s Hodson Science and Technology Center.
Ellume
Digital diagnostics company Ellume has commenced work on its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Frederick, Maryland. Ellume’s U.S. operation will include two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities totaling more than 180,000 square feet developed by Matan Companies. The new facility track to begin limited operation in second half 2021 and is actively recruiting for 1,500 new positions in the Frederick region.
(Cover Photo: Ellume)
Looking to explore options for locating or collaborating regarding biotech in Frederick? Reach out to the City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development at 301.600.6360 or business@cityoffrederickmd.gov !