Jacobs Chosen by Spark Therapeutics to Build Gene Therapy Innovation Center

Jacobs was awarded an engineering, procurement and construction management contract with Spark Therapeutics, Inc. (Spark) to build its Gene Therapy Innovation Center in the University City area of West Philadelphia. When complete, the multi-story facility will serve as a global center of excellence for gene therapy manufacturing and advance the science of gene therapy.

According to Spark, the first phase of the project includes an initial investment of $575 million, and the anticipated 500,000 square foot facility nearly doubles the company's physical footprint in Philadelphia. The facility is estimated to be completed in 2026.

"Our goal is to build an innovative facility that supports Spark's mission to drive science forward," says Jacobs Advanced Facilities Senior Vice President Koti Vadlamudi. "It will also be the first gene therapy manufacturing facility of its size in Philadelphia. We stand ready to support Spark's vision of a world where no life is limited by genetic disease."

Jacobs has provided solutions for more than 30 clients in the cell and gene therapy market on projects involving full-scale launch and production facilities with multiple modalities.