Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation (Nasdaq:AGTC), a biotechnology company conducting human clinical trials of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapies for the treatment of rare diseases, recently announced the opening of a new combined use corporate office and laboratory facility in the rapidly growing North Central Florida biotech corridor.
AGTC was founded based on technology developed at the University of Florida and the company maintains extensive ties to the University through multiple Sponsored Research Agreements. These contracts cover basic research for many new product candidates, support of clinical trials and projects that will enhance the basic AAV technology platform.
The company hosted an open house event on February 18th in Alachua. Representatives from local government, the research, academic and healthcare communities attended the ceremony.
“We are excited to announce our new base of operations in this modern expanded office space and state-of-the-art laboratory,” said Sue Washer, President and CEO of AGTC. “The new facility will help us to accelerate our research and development efforts for novel AAV-based gene therapies for rare diseases and house critical corporate functions including finance, quality assurance and project management, while providing ample space as we continue to bring new talent to our team.”
AGTC’s portion of the new multi-tenant facility is expected to accommodate up to about 75 people and consists of approximately 20,000 square feet including state-of-the-art lab and office space as well as space for future expansion.
“We are pleased to see rapid development and growing interest from the biotechnology sector in the Gainesville area,” said David Day, Assistant Vice President & Director of the Office of Technology Licensing at the University of Florida. “AGTC’s progress to date is a primary example of how a research-based concern can be successfully spun out from academia and advance the potential of its technology. AGTC’s progress in developing novel treatments for rare diseases without adequate therapeutic options is a particularly good model for the entire biotechnology sector.”
