WuXi AppTec expands to create a center of excellence in San Diego

12-Dec-2018 - Last updated on 12-Dec-2018 at 15:08 GMT

(Image: Getty/s-c-s)

The expansion collates WuXi AppTec’s technology platform small molecule capabilities, including screening, discovery biology, pharmacology, and process R&D.

The San Diego, CA-based facility – now a new center of excellence – also provides Phase I good manufacturing practice (GMP) manufacturing services.

WuXi AppTec Chairman and CEO Dr. Ge Li said the expansion will enable the company to better serve its US and global customers.

"Together with our ecosystem partners, we will continue to strengthen WuXi's capability and technology enabling platform to expedite the discovery and development of new medicines for patients worldwide,” Li said in a press release.

As part of the expansion, the contract research organization (CRO) also plans to hire “extensively” from around the San Diego area.

WuXi AppTec was unable to provide any further comment.

IPO and expansion

To build and expand its R&D facilities, the company earlier this year raised more than $353 in an initial public offering (IPO) of common stock.

WuXi AppTec's IPO of 104,198,600 shares of common stock was offered on the Shanghai Stock Exchange at RMB21.60 per share. This, equivalent to US$3.39 per share, means the IPO has brought in more than $353m.

The company has completed expansions at several of its subsidiary companies, including STA Pharmaceutical.