Today marks the opening of Finport, which is a state-of-the-art gene therapy manufacturing facility owned and operated by FinVector in Kuopio, Finland for the drug substance of Ferring Pharmaceuticals’ gene therapy Adstiladrin® (nadofaragene firadenovec-vncg).
Developed and managed by FinVector, with investment from Ferring Ventures, the facility features advanced processes for viral vector-based gene therapy manufacturing.
Finport reaffirms Ferring and FinVector’s dedication to the future of gene therapy innovation and manufacturing alongside a long-term commitment to the healthcare ecosystem in Finland.
Kuopio, Suomi – 03.10.2024
Kuopio, Finland – 03 October 2024
FinVector together with Ferring Pharmaceuticals today announced the opening of Finport, a state-of-the-art gene therapy global manufacturing hub in Kuopio, Finland. This new facility, owned and operated by FinVector, specialises in the production of the viral vector-based drug substance for Ferring Pharmaceuticals' FDA-approved gene therapy Adstiladrin® (nadofaragene firadenovec-vncg). The treatment is currently available in the U.S. market for adult patients with high-risk Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with carcinoma in situ (CIS) with or without papillary tumours.1
Since 2014, the Ferring Group has significantly invested in the development of Adstiladrin, with more than half of that investment directed towards Finland as the key development and manufacturing hub for gene therapy in Europe.
“The opening of Finport represents a significant milestone in FinVector’s commitment to viral vector-based gene therapy manufacturing. Finport not only facilitates the global expansion of knowledge, capabilities, and capacity in gene therapy but also solidifies FinVector's status as a major global gene therapy development and manufacturing partner,” said Giuseppe Carloni, Chairman of the FinVector Board.
Finport features a cutting-edge viral vector-based gene therapy manufacturing suite, fully integrated with modern technology to produce the drug substance for Adstiladrin® (nadofaragene firadenovec-vncg) in large quantities. The 25,000 square metre facility features renewable energy solutions such as waste heat recovery with heat pumps and solar energy, complementing FinVector’s commitment to protecting the environment by reducing its negative impact on the planet.
The construction of Finport and FinVector’s ongoing presence in the area has driven over the last years significant economic progress in the City of Kuopio. The fruitful dialogue and collaboration with the local authorities and funding partners, Centre for Economic Development, Transport, and the Environment (ELY), Business Finland, and the Nordic Investment Bank, have been key enablers and supported FinVector’s activities in this region.
“The development of this facility has been an extraordinary journey, with significant contributions from local contractors who have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life in just two years. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together. This is a testament to the collective effort of everyone at FinVector,” said Matthias Krieger, Managing Director of FinVector.
In addition to having a major economic impact, FinVector is one of the biggest private-sector employers in the Kuopio region. It has created high-skilled jobs and bolstered the knowledge and research-intensive healthcare ecosystem in Kuopio and the surrounding region. The company presently employs around 500 professionals from more than 50 different nationalities and has more than doubled its workforce in the last 2.5 years.
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For more information, please contact
Aku Kukkola
Communication Specialist, FinVector Oy
Matthew Worrall
Director, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Ferring Pharmaceuticals
About FinVector Oy
FinVector is a leading biopharmaceutical company that manufactures viral vector-based gene therapy products driven by a commitment to improving the lives of people with chronic health conditions. FinVector does this by excelling in the scientific manufacturing and delivery of viral vector-based gene therapy products with the highest standards of safety and efficacy. The organisation is headquartered in the thriving science and technology area of Savilahti in Kuopio, Finland employing over 500 professionals from more than 50 nationalities, fostering a diverse and collaborative environment. FinVector is a privately owned subsidiary of Ferring Ventures S/A.
About Ferring Ventures S/A
Ferring Ventures SA is an investment and development holding company supporting the research, development, manufacturing and commercialisation of ground-breaking innovative technologies in the fields of gene and cell therapies. Both FinVector Oy and Ferring Ventures Oy (formerly known as Kuopio Center of Gene and Cell Therapy) based in Kuopio, Finland are 100 % owned by Ferring Ventures SA.
About Ferring Pharmaceuticals S/A
Ferring Pharmaceuticals is a privately owned, research-driven, specialty biopharmaceutical group committed to building families and helping people live better lives. We are leaders in reproductive medicine and maternal health, and in areas of gastroenterology and urology. We are at the forefront of innovation in microbiome-based therapeutics and uro-oncology intravesical gene therapy. Ferring was founded in 1950 and employs more than 7,000 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Saint-Prex, Switzerland, and has operating subsidiaries in more than 50 countries which markets its medicines in over 100 countries.
References1 Read more about Adstiladrin® from the Ferring Pharmaceuticals global press release (link here)
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