Iovance Biotherapeutics opens Philadelphia facility

Iovance Biotherapeutics, a late-stage biotechnology company developing novel T cell-based cancer immunotherapies, recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its Iovance Cell Therapy Center in Philadelphia.

The approximately 136,000-square-foot center, located at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, is dedicated to producing tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte cell therapies for patients with solid tumor cancers. This type of therapy uses a patient’s own immune cells to attack cancer.

The facility will supply Iovance clinical studies with commercial manufacturing expected to begin after initial product approval. It is among the world’s largest cell therapy manufacturing facilities and will have the capacity to meet potential demand for thousands of patients annually.

“Since Iovance was founded, we have been dedicated to advancing novel cell therapies for patients with solid tumor cancers,” Dr. Frederick Vogt, Iovance interim president and CEO, said. “As the hub of cell and gene therapy and the home of leading hospitals and academic centers, Philadelphia became the city of choice for our internal manufacturing.

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, government officials and collaborators within Cellicon Valley attended the event.

Patients, caregivers, and patient advocacy organizations cut the ribbon on behalf of cancer patients and in memory of those who have died of cancer.