New Thermo Fisher Scientific Facility In Carlsbad Will Make Vital Component For RNA Vaccines

San Diego CA

15 July, 2021

6:24 PM

Description

By Chris Jennewein, Times of San Diego July 15, 2021 Thermo Fisher Scientific will open a manufacturing facility in Carlsbad on Thursday to make biological components for RNA-based vaccines like the ones developed to fight COVID-19. The 67,000-square-foot facility, located on the company's existing Carlsbad campus near College Boulevard and Faraday Avenue, reflects the growing global demand for cell and gene therapies and vaccines requiring plasmid DNA. "Demand for commercial plasmid DNA is outpacing supply as the development of transformative gene therapies and vaccines accelerates globally," said Marc N. Casper, chairman, president and chief executive officer of the $30 billion Boston-based biotech giant. "Investments in state-of-the-art manufacturing such as this ensure that our customers have reliable access to the high-quality materials and capabilities that have become vital for the production of these new lifesaving medicines and the patients in need," he said. Plasmid DNA is increasingly used as a therapeutic agent in gene therapies and certain vaccines. Its advantages, including increased safety and ease of manufacture, have dramatically increased demand for materials and manufacturing capacity globally. The manufacturing facility will support 150 new jobs as production scales. Reps. Mike Levin and Scott Peters, along with Carlsbad City Mayor Matt Hall, will attend an opening ceremony. "This expansion in Carlsbad is exciting, bringing new jobs and revenue to our district, while also advancing San Diego County's reputation as a hub for innovation," said Levin. "Their work helps tackle many of the world's greatest challenges and builds healthier, more sustainable communities.". Times of San Diego is an independent online news site covering the San Diego metropolitan area. Our journalists report on politics, crime, business, sports, education, arts, the military and everyday life in San Diego. No subscription is required, and you can sign up for a free daily newsletter with a summary of the latest news.