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The Alachua, Florida facility in the southeastern tip of the United States houses 58,500+ SQFT of process development, analytical development, and good manufacturing process (GMP) compliant production space.

The location came into the Ascend network in early 2024 through the acquisition of GMP manufacturing capacity from Beacon Therapeutics. Onsite, the 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.

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.

Our other locations

  • Alameda, USA

    Alameda is at the intersection of the Biotech Bay and Silicon Valley in California, the leading scientific state in the United States. This Ascend hub is focused on research to build quality into each process from the start.

  • London, UK

    London forms part of the 'Golden Biotech Triangle' in the United Kingdom, the leading country in Europe for scientific innovation. Ascenders at this location are focused on internal operational excellence.

  • Munich, DE

    Munich is Germany's top region for biotech and the country ranks second in Europe for leadership in science. The team at this Ascend hub focus on process development and the evolution of the analytical platform.

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