Legend Biotech Corporation has officially opened a state-of-the-art research and development facility in Philadelphia, marking a significant expansion of the company's U.S. operations and reinforcing its position as a global leader in cell therapy innovation. The 31,000-square-foot facility, located at 2300 Market Street, is now fully operational and will support the company's expanding pipeline of next-generation cell therapies.
Strategic Expansion in Philadelphia's Life Sciences Hub
The new facility features cutting-edge laboratories and collaborative workspaces designed to foster innovation and accelerate research programs across Legend's oncology and immunology portfolios. The site will specifically support CAR-T research and development in potential oncology and immunology indications.
"This new facility marks an exciting milestone for Legend Biotech as we continue to invest in our future and strengthen our leadership in cell therapy innovation," said Ying Huang, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Legend Biotech. "We are proud to officially open our doors in Philadelphia, a world-class hub for life sciences, where we can attract top-tier talent, collaborate with premier research institutions, and advance our mission to bring transformative therapies to patients."
Strengthening U.S. Operations
The Philadelphia R&D center expands Legend's American presence, which includes over 1,400 employees in the United States. The site will employ approximately 55 full-time team members and complements Legend's existing R&D presence in Piscataway, New Jersey. Headquartered in Somerset, N.J., Legend also has manufacturing activities in Raritan and Morris Plains, N.J.
Guowei Fang, Ph.D., President of Research and Development at Legend Biotech, emphasized the facility's strategic importance: "The opening of our new facility represents an exciting new chapter for our research organization. Our Philadelphia team will play a critical role in advancing our sustainable pipeline of innovative cell therapies, while strengthening collaborations within one of the nation's most dynamic biotech ecosystems."
Community and Industry Support
Local officials, academic partners, patient advocacy groups, and members of the Philadelphia biotech community gathered with Legend Biotech leadership to celebrate the ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour the new facility.
Dr. Rebecca L. Grant, Director of Life Sciences & Innovation for the City of Philadelphia's Department of Commerce, welcomed the expansion: "Legend Biotech's decision to expand its R&D footprint in Philadelphia reflects the strength and momentum of our city's life sciences ecosystem. Philadelphia is home to world-class scientific talent and research institutions, and we are proud to welcome an organization committed to pioneering therapies that change patient lives."
Chris Molineaux, CEO of Life Sciences Pennsylvania, added: "Philadelphia continues to be a magnet for innovation and scientific excellence. We are thrilled to welcome Legend Biotech to our city's thriving life sciences community. Their investment brings high-quality jobs, research opportunities, and further reinforces Philadelphia's growing reputation as a global leader in healthcare innovation."
Market Leadership in Cell Therapy
With over 2,900 employees, Legend Biotech is the largest standalone cell therapy company and a pioneer in treatments that change cancer care. The company is at the forefront of the CAR-T cell therapy revolution with CARVYKTI, a one-time treatment for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, which it develops and markets with collaborator Johnson & Johnson.
To date, CARVYKTI has been administered to over 9,000 patients with multiple myeloma at 132 treatment centers spanning 44 states across the U.S. From this platform, the company plans to drive future innovation across its pipeline of cutting-edge cell therapy modalities, building an end-to-end cell therapy company by expanding its leadership to maximize CARVYKTI's patient access and therapeutic potential.
