Locations

The Rockville team came into the Ascend network in late 2024, and expanded the group’s offering to include support of gene therapies, oncolytics, vaccines and immunotherapies beyond AAV. The site features research to GMP-grade production suites for both suspension and adherent processes plus onsite fill/finish capacity and lot release for Phase I/II clinical products.

Strong relationships with both private and government clients, plus the breadth of viral experience of the scientists in Rockville allows the team to support the most complex of processes from start to finish. This team has more than 60 years of expertise in managing government contracts, which have the highest levels of compliance and excellence.

Rockville, MD is situated within the BioHealth Capital Region (BCHR), the 4th largest cluster of life sciences companies, federal labs and world-class research institutions in the country. It is near Washington, DC, the federal government and other critical east coast business hubs including Boston, New York and Philadelphia. BCHR is a fitting home for some of the biggest names in biotech, as there is ample access to a high concentration of graduate and professional degreed talent in the nation and more than $1 billion annually in NIH funding. In addition to being a cornerstone of the growing biotech scene in Montgomery County, Rockville also makes a great home for young professionals and families alike, as one of the most ethnically diverse areas in the country boasting a vibrant museum, arts and culture scene with plenty of outdoor activities and an exceptional school system.

The location came into the Ascend network in early 2024 through the acquisition of GMP manufacturing capacity from Beacon Therapeutics. A strong team was transferred in the acquisition, allowing for no gaps in coverage for existing and new production.

A multi-functional team ensures successful continuation of client gene therapy programs while building out expanded GMP production, commercial manufacturing, and fill/finish capacity to meet customer’s needs. At acquisition, the site featured 50L of GMP AAV production capacity with end-to-end process and analytical development services. This will be expanded in 2025 to include GMP AAV production capacity at 50L, 200L, and 500L scales. GMP QC release will also be offered. Fill/finish capabilities are also in process of being added.

Alachua is in the north-central part of Florida, which is famous for being the birthplace of AAV gene therapy out of the University of Florida. UF still boasts the largest number of AAV research papers published in the US, making it a fitting home for an AAV specialized partner like Ascend. In addition to being a continuously evolving hotbed of biotech activities, Alachua also offers a range of outdoor activities, history, art, and food for the off hours.

The Munich site is also the first location to start the Ascend network. Originally part of Freeline Therapeutics, the facility and staff were divided from the therapeutic portfolio assets.

Onsite experts bring a depth and breadth of experience in AAV that is unrivaled, coming from therapeutic roots as far back as 1991. The team focuses on plasmid innovation, cell engineering, and QC, as well as process, capsid, analytical and formulation development. The site was GMP-certified for quality control activities in late 2024 and continues to expand in a well-established business and industrial complex.

Munich continues to be regarded as one of the top three European biotech hub locations, but more importantly, it is an attractive place to live and work. There is excellent healthcare and schools, internationally renowned museums, music venues, history, and cultural festivals, silhouetted against the impressive scenery of the northern Alps. Of course, Munich has been the proud home of German engineering excellence, from Siemens to BMW, for over a century. And the area attracts over 7 million visitors to its iconic Oktoberfest, a favorite with Ascenders.