Science-led biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca (LSE: AZN) announced on Tuesday that it is strengthening its presence in cell therapy with a USD300m investment in a new facility in Rockville, Maryland.

The state-of-the-art site will focus on manufacturing T-cell therapies for critical cancer trials, creating over 150 skilled jobs. Proximity to AstraZeneca's R&D centres and the thriving life sciences corridor in Maryland supports talent recruitment. The facility joins AstraZeneca's global network and complements its US manufacturing sites, contributing to the production of small molecules and biologics.

AstraZeneca aims to empower T-cells for enhanced cancer treatment. The company's cell therapy portfolio includes armoured autologous CAR-Ts, like Glypican 3 (GPC3) targeting CAR-Ts in hepatocellular carcinoma. Ongoing developments include AZD5851 in Phase I globally and AZD7003 / C-CAR031 co-developed with AbelZeta in China. The pipeline also features early-stage candidates AZD6422 and AZD0754, targeting solid tumors. Additionally, AstraZeneca advances T-cell receptor therapies (TCR-Ts) through its subsidiary Neogene Therapeutics.

AstraZeneca's commitment to innovative medicine spans Oncology, Rare Diseases, BioPharmaceuticals, Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism and Respiratory & Immunology. Operating globally, the company focuses on discovery, development and commercialisation to benefit millions of patients worldwide.