Construction has started on the global headquarters for AbCellera, a Vancouver-based biotech company.
“We’re building state-of-the-art facilities in Vancouver to accelerate the development of new antibody therapies with biotech and pharma partners from around the world,” said Carl Hansen, Ph.D., CEO and president of AbCellera. “We intend for this technology campus to serve as a place where talented people can contribute to dramatically improving and accelerating antibody discovery for the benefit of patients everywhere.”
Located on 4th Avenue between Columbia and Manitoba Streets in Mount Pleasant, the purpose-built office and laboratory spaces are part of the company’s planned tech campus which will include two facilities totaling 380,000 square feet. The project is being developed in partnership with the Dayhu Group and Beedie. Francl Architecture is the design firm.
Gauthier+Associates Landscape Architects is designing a small plaza on Manitoba and West 4th Avenue with seating. The facilities are expected to be completed in 2023 and 2024.
“As a Vancouver-based company, AbCellera’s success in leading the fight against COVID-19 underscores how our city has emerged as an innovation hub where tech companies can grow and thrive,” said Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart. “The tech sector is a key economic driver for our city, and this announcement ensures that one of our most successful anchor companies will play a pivotal role in creating new jobs, diversifying our economy, and commercializing made-in-BC innovations – all while protecting us from current and emerging health challenges.”
AbCellera’s long-term vision in Vancouver includes building Canada’s first clinical-grade Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) antibody manufacturing facility, which will provide technology and infrastructure to help Canada respond to future pandemics.
AbCellera gained significant international attention after it co-developed the first authorized COVID-19 antibody therapy for emergency use in high-risk patients in Canada and the United States.
