BOTHELL — The biotechnology plant once operated by ICOS Corp. has been remodeled by its new Denmark-based owners who say they also plan to expand the staff.
The 15,000-square-foot facility has been remodeled and given a new infrastructure by CMC ICOS Biologics that will accommodate commercial manufacturing of drugs and drug candidates for the biotech field under the practices required by government agencies, said Gustavo Mahler, president.
Mahler joined the company in May from Bayer HealthCare, where he was responsible for manufacturing operations in Berkeley, Calif.
“Starting operations in our remodeled facility is a significant milestone towards commercial world-class manufacturing activities in Bothell,” he said.
The company was established by ICOS, the manufacturer of the male erectile dysfunction drug Cialis, which was purchased by Eli Lilly &Co. CMC Biopharmaceuticals A/S bought the manufacturing center in December 2007.
The facility began early in ICOS’ 17-year history and focused on producing therapeutic proteins for early stage clinical trials.
The company has about 135 full-time employees. The multimillion-dollar expansion of the facility should add another 35 workers, company officials said. This is the first manufacturing facility for CMC, which also has business offices in Seattle and New England. The plan is to develop the Bothell facility into one of the largest contract manufacturers on the West Coast.
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