Gene therapy developer Exegenesis Bio of China officially opened its new offices at Springhouse Innovation Park Business and Research Campus in Lower Gwynedd, writes John George for the Philadelphia Business Journal.

The company also announced major expansion plans that include tripling its local staff and doubling in size overall over the following 12 months.

“Exegenesis Bio has grown at a rapid pace during the past two years,” said CEO Zhenhua Wu. “Our pipeline is progressing very well and we expect to initiate clinical development of three programs during the next year.”

Exegenesis Bio has raised over $120 M during the past two years, has hired over 100 scientific and technical
operations staff, and is investing to build fully integrated research, development, and GMP-grade, commercial-scale manufacturing capabilities.

The company expects to dose the first patient in its next-generation Type I Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) AAV gene therapy program by the end of the year in China and is preparing to file two Global INDs in the first half of 2022.

Exegenesis focuses on the development of genetic medicines for the eyes, central nervous system, and liver-directed diseases.

It currently has ten employees in Montgomery County, most of whom are in business and operational roles. The company now plans to add 25 additional staff in the area, primarily in clinical, regulatory, and administrative roles.

“I think it is a huge advantage to be located close to scientists who are shaping global thinking in gene and cell therapy,” said Wu. “Philadelphia is a hotbed for talent in this field. This will be critical for us as we grow.”

Read more about Exegenesis Bio in the Philadelphia Business Journal.