Avid Bioservices steps into viral vector development space

Avid Bioservices, Inc., a biologics contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), is expanding its offering into the cell and gene therapy (C&GT) market. To address this effort, the company is building a 53,000 square-foot viral vector development and current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) manufacturing facility in Costa Mesa, CA, which is about five miles from Avid’s location in Tustin, CA.

With more than 16 years of experience in commercial manufacturing of biologics, Avid executives say that the CDMO offers a strong value proposition to potential customers in the C&GT space. Based on current projections, the company anticipates construction of the entire facility to take up to 18 months, at an estimated cost of approximately $65 million -$75 million. However, the center’s analytical and process development laboratories are expected to be operational within 6-8 months.

“ … We believe that the addition of viral vector services is a natural extension of our existing traditional biologics offering, and provides another avenue for growth by supporting the development and manufacturing of these innovative therapies," notes Nicholas Green, president and CEO of Avid Bioservices.