Download this press release (PDF)
Columbus, Ohio – Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:SRPT), the leader in precision genetic medicine for rare diseases, has announced plans to expand its Gene Therapy Center of Excellence in Columbus, Ohio, opening a new facility, investing over $30 million and creating 100 new jobs, pending state approvals. Hiring for research, technician and general operations positions will begin in Q2 2020.
Sarepta plans to open its new Center in an 85,000-square-foot facility at 3435 Stelzer Road in Columbus. All employees currently operating out of the Company’s Dublin, Ohio, office will transition to the new facility over time. Armed with the most advanced science in genetic medicine, the new Center will allow Sarepta to lead the way in making Columbus an epicenter of gene therapy research and development. In addition to the new building, the Company’s investment will be used toward R&D equipment.
“Sarepta is emerging as the world leader in gene therapy to treat and transform lives otherwise diminished and stolen by rare genetic disease. We are confident that gene therapy will revolutionize genetic medicine, and we chose Ohio for our Gene Therapy Center of Excellence because we believe Columbus will become a hub for genetic medicine innovation,” said Sarepta President & CEO Doug Ingram. “Our new Center will strengthen the position of Columbus as a gene therapy leader, building on the advances of our long-standing partner, Nationwide Children’s Hospital.”
Founded in 1980, Sarepta develops genetic medicines to treat rare diseases, and currently has two approved products for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and a pipeline of more than 40 treatments in development. The company’s programs and research focus span several therapeutic modalities, including RNA, gene therapy and gene editing. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Sarepta has locations across four continents, and its current Central Ohio research facility in Dublin employs approximately 40 full-time workers.
“We are proud to be the home of Sarepta’s new Gene Therapy Center of Excellence and to support their continued innovation within a critical field in medicine,” said Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “The company’s investment in Columbus is a testament to why our city and region are positioned to become the most important place in the world for gene therapy development.”
From medical breakthroughs to cutting-edge technology, the Columbus Region is home to one of the top healthcare industries in the country. With several renowned healthcare systems and companies, including OhioHealth, Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Cardinal Health, the Columbus Region employs more than 45,000 in the industry. The Region’s large pool of IT talent, combined with its well-established healthcare sector, makes it a hotbed for innovation.
“Sarepta is one of the nation’s fastest growing biotechnology companies focused on the development of precision genetic medicines,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “With Ohio talent, Sarepta will advance its R&D of neuromuscular and central nervous system diseases at its new gene therapy R&D Center in the Columbus Region.”
-END-
About Sarepta Therapeutics
Sarepta is leading a revolution in precision genetic medicine and every day is an opportunity to change the lives of people living with rare disease. The company has built an impressive and competitive position in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and in gene therapies for limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMDs), mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA, Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT), and other CNS-related disorders, with more than 40 programs in various stages of development. Sarepta’s programs and research focus span several therapeutic modalities, including RNA, gene therapy and gene editing. Learn more at www.sarepta.com.
About the City of Columbus, Ohio
The City of Columbus is the 14th largest city in the United States with a population of 879,170 residents. The Columbus economy is balanced with a combination of education, technology, government, research, insurance and health care entities as major employers within the City. Columbus is gaining nationwide recognition for its booming downtown, historic neighborhoods, arts and sporting districts, open attitude and a noticeably affordable quality of life. Learn more about the City of Columbus at columbus.gov/development/Economic-Development.
About JobsOhio
JobsOhio is a private nonprofit economic development corporation designed to drive job creation and new capital investment in Ohio through business attraction, retention and expansion. The organization also works to seed talent production in its targeted industries and to attract talent to Ohio though Find Your Ohio. JobsOhio works with six regional partners across Ohio: Dayton Development Coalition, Ohio Southeast, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership and Team NEO. Learn more at www.jobsohio.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.
About One Columbus
As the economic development organization for the 11-county Columbus Region, One Columbus’ mission is to lead a comprehensive regional growth strategy that develops and attracts the world’s most competitive companies, grows a highly adaptive workforce, prepares our communities for the future, and inspires corporate, academic and public innovation throughout the Columbus Region. One Columbus expertly guides companies through the location decision process. Through strategic business outreach and customized research, the One Columbus team leverages public, private and institutional partnerships to grow the Columbus Region’s economy and strengthen its national and international competitiveness. Funding is received from more than 300 private organizations, local governments, academic institutions and JobsOhio. Learn more at ColumbusRegion.com.
One Columbus Media Contact
Amy Harman
614-225-6070
ah@columbusregion.com
Sarepta Therapeutics Media Contact
Tracy Sorrentino
617-301-8566
tsorrentino@sarepta.com