Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today announced the opening of a production facility in Colorado that more than doubles its capacity to develop and manufacture "oligos," which are short DNA and RNA molecules that customers use to produce nucleic acid-based therapeutics.
Agilent expects the demand for therapeutic oligo manufacturing to grow near 10% each year through 2025, to over $750 million by 2025. This facility will enable Agilent to meet this growing demand and to continue being a partner of choice to pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Shipments to customers from this new site are expected by year-end.
The new state-of-the-art facility is in Frederick, about 30 miles north of Denver. It produces oligonucleotide ("oligo") active pharmaceutical ingredients, which hold the potential to treat cancer, rare and infectious diseases, cardiovascular indications, and other disorders.
"Our customers are developing innovative therapies that can lead to truly life-changing outcomes for patients," said Brian Carothers, vice president of Agilent's Nucleic Acid Solutions Division. "As a leading oligo manufacturer for over 20 years, Agilent is uniquely qualified to support this critical and growing industry. Our Frederick facility ensures we will keep up with demand while continuing to deliver a premium customer service."
"We're committed to Frederick and the state of Colorado," added Carothers. "Agilent has already brought 100 high-paying jobs to Frederick. Depending on customer demand, the site can further expand its manufacturing capacity in the coming years."
The $185 million facility in Frederick covers 135,000 square feet. It also expands Agilent's presence in Colorado, where the company has had an oligo manufacturing site in nearby Boulder since 2006. Both sites are current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) facilities, as designated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.