The Rockville, Maryland (MD) facility, located on the east coast of the United States (US) houses 72,000+ SQFT of process development, analytical development, and good manufacturing practices (GMP) compliant production space.
The location continues to operate as ABL, Inc., while also serving as headquarters for the broader Ascend Group.
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.
Our other locations
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Alachua, USA
Alachua is frequently considered the birthplace of AAV, and a growing biotech hotbed. The GMP facility here is a cornerstone of our commitment to quality and longevity.
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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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United Kingdom
The UK is a leader in European scientific innovation and a formidable biotech hub. Ascenders at this location are focused on internal operational excellence.
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