The biotechnology company Finvector celebrated the opening of Finport, a state-of-the-art gene therapy global manufacturing hub in Kuopio on 3 October. The new facility specialises in the production of a gene therapy drug for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.
FinVector is a privately owned subsidiary of Ferring Ventures S/A, an investment and development holding company focusing on gene and cell therapy. Both FinVector and Ferring Ventures Oy are part of the same consortium and draw from the pioneering research of Professor Seppo Ylä-Herttuala.
The university has a long history of research collaboration with FinVector, and the memorandum of understanding concluded earlier this year further expands the partnership into the realms of university-business and educational collaboration. FinVector is involved in the ReguVa project, which is coordinated by the university and focuses on training on pharmaceutical regulation and good manufacturing practice in pharmaceuticals. Collaboration has also been launched in thesis projects.
“Through collaboration and competence development, we can foster scientific breakthroughs, innovations, patient care and regional prosperity. Skilled workforce is a vital success factor,” said Rector Jukka Mönkkönen, speaking at the FinPort opening ceremony.
The new facility specialises in the production of the viral vector-based drug substance for Ferring Pharmaceuticals' FDA-approved gene therapy Adstiladrin. Since 2014, the Ferring Group has significantly invested in the development of Adstiladrin, with more than half of that investment directed towards Finland as the key development and manufacturing hub for gene therapy in Europe.
“Finport not only facilitates the global expansion of knowledge, capabilities, and capacity in gene therapy but also solidifies FinVector's status as a major global gene therapy development and manufacturing partner,” said Giuseppe Carloni, Chairman of the FinVector Board.
Finport features a cutting-edge viral vector-based gene therapy manufacturing suite, fully integrated with modern technology to produce the drug substance in large quantities. The 25,000 square metre facility also features renewable energy solutions.
According to Matthias Krieger, Managing Director of FinVector, the development of Finport has been an extraordinary journey and accomplishment.
The construction of Finport and FinVector’s ongoing presence in the area has driven over the last years significant economic progress in the City of Kuopio. The local authorities and funding partners, Centre for Economic Development, Transport, and the Environment (ELY), Business Finland, and the Nordic Investment Bank, have been key enablers and supported FinVector’s activities in the region.
FinVector is also one of the biggest private-sector employers in the Kuopio region. It has created high-skilled jobs and company presently employs around 500 professionals from more than 50 different nationalities and has more than doubled its workforce in the last 2.5 years, bolstering the knowledge and research-intensive healthcare ecosystem in Kuopio and the surrounding region.
