VectorBuilder announced plans to invest $50 million in a new Advanced Biomanufacturing and R&D Center in Chicago, significantly expanding its North American operations and reinforcing its long-term commitment to advancing genetic medicine.
The new facility will bring together research, development, and manufacturing capabilities across VectorBuilder’s gene delivery portfolio, including plasmids, viral vectors, nonviral vectors, and cell engineering technologies. Designed as a multi-phase project, the Center is expected to begin initial operations in 2027, with future expansion tied to customer demand and program growth.
By integrating these capabilities under one roof, VectorBuilder aims to create a seamless pathway from early-stage research through clinical-scale manufacturing. The company believes this approach will help address a growing industry need as gene and cell therapy developers increasingly seek platforms that can support both discovery and scalable production without requiring major redesigns later in development.
The investment comes as the gene and cell therapy industry continues to evolve, with manufacturability, regulatory compliance, and clinical performance becoming key considerations during the earliest stages of vector design. As more therapeutic programs move toward clinical development, demand has increased for integrated development and manufacturing solutions.
The Chicago Center is expected to strengthen VectorBuilder’s biomanufacturing and research capabilities while providing greater access to scientific talent and innovation resources. The company also expects the facility to increase production capacity and improve turnaround times for North American customers, particularly those advancing programs into IND-enabling studies and clinical manufacturing.
Chicago’s growing life sciences ecosystem was a key factor in the company’s decision. The city offers access to a deep scientific workforce, expanding research infrastructure, and a central location that can support customers across the United States.
The facility will complement VectorBuilder’s existing operations throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia, adding regional capacity to support researchers and biopharmaceutical companies as they advance programs toward clinical and commercial milestones.
KEY QUOTES:
“Despite recent volatility in the CGT field, we see strong long-term momentum in genetic medicine. This investment reflects our conviction that gene delivery will be a defining factor in the next phase of the industry. By expanding our capabilities, we can tap into local talent pools and strengthen our biomanufacturing and R&D capabilities in a fully integrated manner, positioning us to innovate and scale as demand accelerates.”
Dr. Bruce Lahn, Chief Scientist, VectorBuilder
“Chicago is quickly establishing itself as a meaningful center for life sciences innovation, with growing investment in infrastructure and access to deep scientific talent. Its central location also allows us to better support customers across the U.S. as more programs move into clinical development and require closer alignment between R&D and manufacturing.”
Dr. Kristofer Mussar, Chief Operating Officer, VectorBuilder
“Access to advanced development and manufacturing capabilities is becoming increasingly important as gene and cell therapy pipelines mature. Strengthening regional capacity in North America can play a meaningful role in accelerating the translation of research into clinical applications.”
Dr. Luisa Iruela-Arispe, Chair, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine
