BeiGene to build manufacturing, clinical R&D center in Hopewell
BeiGene, a global biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing innovative cancer medicines worldwide, announced Tuesday morning that it plans to build a new campus for research & development and manufacturing at the Princeton West Innovation Campus in Hopewell.
BeiGene officials said they have entered into a purchase agreement to acquire an approximately 42-acre site with over 1 million square feet of developable real estate. They intend to build a state-of-the-art facility that is expected to include commercial-stage biologic pharmaceutical manufacturing, clinical R&D and the BeiGene Center for Pharmacovigilance Innovation.
BeiGene officials said the company intends to recruit hundreds of new hires from the area’s deep talent pool to support its continued growth and its commitment to producing life-saving oncology medicines.
Development of the planned campus is subject to closing of the purchase agreement with Lincoln Equities Group and approval of the development plan. Construction is expected to be completed in mid-2023. In the interim, BeiGene plans to rent space nearby and begin to hire immediately.
BeiGene officials said the company chose Hopewell and Central Jersey after an extensive nationwide search to find a site for its new manufacturing and clinical R&D center. The officials said they liked the area’s central location and proximity to deep and rich pharmaceutical research, development and manufacturing talent and the expansion potential of a 42-acre parcel that is planned to support BeiGene’s strategy to expand its footprint in this region.
BeiGene, a global biotech with nearly 7,000 employees in offices across five continents, already has a presence in the state, with an office in Ridgefield Park.
John Oyler, the co-founder, chairman and CEO of BeiGene, said the company has a comfort level in the state.
“We are proud to be building our campus in New Jersey, and we’re grateful for the warm welcome BeiGene has received across the state,” he said.
“With a global team of over 6,900 and growing, including our existing presence in Ridgefield Park, BeiGene’s expansion into the Princeton area furthers our commitment of translating groundbreaking science into quality, innovative cancer therapies. We are excited to connect more with the deep talent pool in the region as we plan to diversify and further expand.”