New Jersey continues to lead medical discoveries in unprecedented times. Many New Jersey biotechnology companies and research universities are deepening their commitment to life sciences innovation more than ever before. In 2019, more than 50 percent of FDA approvals came from companies with a footprint in New Jersey. In 2020, New Jersey is well-positioned to lead the fight against COVID-19 and other devastating diseases.

#NJInnovation Saves Lives

The coronavirus pandemic is the most pressing issue facing the global biotech community as the world awaits a cure. Currently, more than 500 companies are working on 135 vaccines, 225 treatments and 160 antivirals in the COVID-19 pipeline. Over 50 New Jersey companies are currently developing COVID-19 treatments.

There has been rapid mobilization among legacy drug makers in New Jersey. Thirteen of the top 20 pharma companies in the world are located here. Johnson & Johnson, Merck, and Novartis are all advancing potential coronavirus vaccines.

Other New Jersey companies, including Insmed, Salignostics, Oncosec Medical, EDAS Health Care, BioAegis Therapeutics and Pepticom, have initiated new developments in COVID-19 research.

New Jersey’s venture-backed biotech companies are also in the race. Therapeutics startup Celularity received FDA approval to begin clinical trials of its immunotherapy treatment.

Rutgers University has led several major breakthroughs. In May 2020, Rutgers’ RUCDR Infinite Biologics received FDA approval for the first at-home saliva test for COVID-19. This innovative method is easier, safer and more efficient to help flatten the curve.

Rutgers University also launched the largest national study of health care workers exposed to COVID-19 in collaboration with RWJ University Hospital.

New Jersey digital health startups are meeting the challenges of healthcare delivery during a crisis. Newark Venture Partners (NVP) entrepreneurs have developed critical tools that improve care, track intake, train staff and address physician burnout.

A Thriving Cell & Gene Therapy Hub

New Jersey companies and research universities are producing next-generation therapeutics by leveraging our robust supply chain and top talent.

New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII) announced the new name of its cell and gene therapy center in May 2020. BioCentriq is the first cell and gene therapy process development and clinical manufacturing facility located on a university campus in the U.S. Industry giants and startups alike can augment in-house capacities or access facilities to move from pre-clinical to human trials.

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is collaborating with NJII to ensure our workforce is properly trained. NJIT is first university in the U.S. to offer a Professional Science Masters (PSM) degree program and professional graduate certificate in cell and gene therapy.

New Jersey offers cell and gene therapy companies a competitive advantage for a more affordable price than Boston or San Francisco. Businesses can access major airports with a high density of CMOs, CROs and top healthcare systems.

That’s why Hitachi Chemical opened a new cell and gene manufacturing facility in Allendale, NJ, in January 2020. The new facility is the company’s first for cell and gene therapy commercialization. It more than doubles its existing manufacturing capacity in New Jersey. Hitachi expects to add 500 employees.

Universities Fueling Biotech Talent & Research

New Jersey universities are preparing the workforce of tomorrow and are accelerating life sciences breakthroughs.

Forty percent of New Jersey residents have a Bachelor’s degree or higher. We are home to the fourth highest share of STEM graduates in the U.S. and far outpace neighboring states. Princeton University is the #1 ranked U.S. university for 9 consecutive years.

New Jersey higher education institutions are expanding training and research opportunities for life sciences students. South Jersey has seen major investment in the “eds and meds” corridor in the last several years.

A new $70 million Joint Health Sciences Center opened in Camden, NJ, in 2019. The center houses research lab spaces for both Rowan University and Rutgers University-Camden. It also has simulation rooms for medical students at Cooper Medical School and instructional space and labs for Camden County College.

New Jersey universities are collaborating to spur biotech discovery. Princeton, Rutgers and NJIT launched the New Jersey Alliance for Clinical and Translational Science (NJ ACTS) in 2019. The alliance is funded by a $29 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NJ ACTS brings together Princeton experts in cancer, hepatitis and other diseases with Rutgers’ expansive health network.

Research with New Jersey is a free, public database created to connect companies with academic research. Business can identify the right experts and find research facilities at 5 of New Jersey’s research universities. The site has more than 3,800 faculty profiles and 94,000 publications.

Lab Space and Support to Help you Grow

New Jersey welcomes companies at every stage of growth to move from lab to shelf.

NJEDA’s NJ Bioscience Center, located next to Rutgers University, offers 50 acres (or 202,343 sq. meters) of incubator space, step out labs, independent R&D facilities and build-to-suit sites. Park tenants include Allergan and Chromocell.

Visikol, a spin-out from Rutgers University, decided to build the company out of the NJ Bioscience Center next door. In January 2020, Visikol announced it expanded its footprint in New Jersey by moving its new headquarters to Hampton.

The Hub @ New Brunswick is a 1.7 million sq. ft. (158,000 sq. m) of mixed-use space under development. The site sits across from the NJ Transit train station with direct access to Rutgers University and RWJ University Hospital.

Rowan University’s South Jersey Technology Park (SJTP) has provided support for several life sciences startups. One tenant, Ocumedic, developed the world’s first drug-eluting therapeutic contact lens. Another, FocalCool, recently received a $2 million NIH grant for a stroke intervention medical device.

NJEDA offers funding and mentoring to help early stage life sciences companies grow. Their business assistance programs include NJ Ignite. This program provides entrepreneurs with free rent support in qualified coworking spaces.

Big Magic, a healthtech startup, recently moved into Venture Link@NJIT in Newark with the support of NJ Ignite. The incubator offers them access to university staff and networking opportunities to help them scale.

Join New Jersey Companies Finding Success

New Jersey is the best place for life sciences companies looking to launch, expand or relocate. With site selection services and economic development connections, Choose New Jersey is ready to help biotech companies navigate a smooth landing in a new home. To learn more about how your business can thrive in New Jersey, please contact us today.