This substantial investment will not only create 150 new jobs but also reinforce Maryland's position as a leader in the field of innovation.

Originally leased to British biotech Autolus Therapeutics, the building, which was completed in 2020, became available for AstraZeneca when Autolus canceled its lease in 2021 to focus on expanding its manufacturing operations in the United Kingdom. AstraZeneca's manufacturing facility in Rockville will initially concentrate on T-cell therapies for clinical trials globally, with the potential to expand into other disease areas in the future.

Pam Cheng, the Executive Vice President of Global Operations for AstraZeneca, expressed enthusiasm about the investment, stating, "This new investment will accelerate our ambition to make next-generation cell therapy a reality, ensuring that we are ready to scale and meet the demands of patients."

The new facility is expected to be operational in 2026, according to Governor Wes Moore. Speaking about the partnership between AstraZeneca and the State of Maryland, Governor Moore said, "AstraZeneca and the State of Maryland share a deep commitment to innovation. It makes us the perfect pairing for this next-generation cell therapy facility. This significant investment in our life sciences sector will help maintain Maryland's leadership in the industry and sharpen our competitive edge."

To support the project costs, the state's Department of Commerce is working towards approving a conditional loan of $500,000 through the Advantage Maryland Program, as mentioned in the Governor's office statement.

AstraZeneca already has a significant presence in Montgomery County, with their scientific campus in Gaithersburg employing approximately 3,500 individuals, representing one-fifth of their global research and development centers. The new manufacturing facility in Rockville is located less than 5 miles away from this campus and is expected to hire around 150 employees. Additionally, AstraZeneca plans to retain its existing 4,500 employees working at other facilities in Montgomery County.

AstraZeneca's entry into Montgomery County dates back to 2007 when it acquired MedImmune, a prominent local biotechnology company, for nearly $16 billion. Their recent lease of the 84,000-square-foot space on 9950 Medical Center Drive in Montgomery County, one of the largest leases in the area in 2023, further demonstrates their commitment to expanding their operations in the region.

With AstraZeneca's new manufacturing facility and the associated job opportunities, Maryland's life sciences sector looks poised for even greater growth and prominence in the years to come.