New York State is investing $120 million in the New York BioGenesis Park, a $430 million Cell and Gene Therapy Innovation Hub coming to Northwell Health’s Lake Success campus, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced earlier this week.
“With this groundbreaking hub, New York has the opportunity to stake its claim as the epicenter of cell and gene therapy innovation,” Hochul said. “We’re not just advancing medical science; we’re creating a powerhouse that will drive our economy, generate thousands of high-skilled jobs, and bring hope to millions facing life-threatening diseases. This investment reaffirms our commitment to leading the future of healthcare and ensuring that the next medical breakthrough happens right here in New York.”
Cell and gene therapies are treatments that target the source of diseases through a patient’s cells or genes. This research could progress treatments for diseases previously thought to be incurable, like cancers, genetic disorders and autoimmune diseases.
Treatments developed could also bolster efficacy and provide longer-lasting options while diminishing side effects, providing other options for patients who have tried all those already available.
“We are committed to supporting New York State in establishing this innovative cell and gene therapy hub on Long Island,” Northwell Health President and CEO Michael J. Dowling said. “The facility will be a game changer for physician-scientists, researchers and innovative companies, some of which are already working together in the region to advance novel biomedical treatments in the fight against cancer and other devastating diseases, offering new hope for our diverse communities across the state.”
The full-service, 700,000-square-foot campus aims to not only advance therapeutic treatments but also bolster commercialization of them. It would encompass public engagement, research, manufacturing and collaboration.
The hub will be developed through phases.
Phase One includes establishing the 331,000-square-foot facility at Northwell Health’s Lake Success campus. This includes the first Cell and Gene Therapy Tower and Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations.
Also included in the plan is an incubator with the resources necessary to collaborate with cell and gene therapy companies and aid their growth.
The incubator was funded in part by a $50 million investment from the Empire State Development.
“New York BioGenesis Park represents a transformative investment in Long Island’s future and New York State’s position as a global leader in biotechnology advancements,” Empire State Development Board Chairman Kevin Law said. “This project not only promises to create hundreds of high-skilled jobs but also establishes a world-class ecosystem for cell and gene therapy innovation. By leveraging Long Island’s exceptional talent pool and research institutions, we’re laying the foundation for breakthroughs that will save lives and drive economic growth for decades to come.”
The first phase is projecting to provide about 830 full-time union construction jobs and another 700 jobs involved in the cell and gene therapy development.
Phase two of the project would expand the lab and office space further.
The New York BioGenesis Park will collaborate with the Empire State Cellular Therapy Consortium and world-class institutions like Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, the Feinstein Institutes, Northwell Health, Roswell Park, Stony Brook University, Weill Cornell, Columbia University and others around the state. They describe this as a “ecosystem” for cutting edge research.
The hub is being established by The Albanese Organization Inc., a Long Island-based developer that was chosen by the state. It will design, finance, build, market, tenant and operate the Long Island Cell and Gene Therapy Center.
“The Albanese Organization and our development team are honored and excited to be designated by Empire State Development to enter into this public-private partnership that will realize the Governor’s vision to create a ‘Hub of the Future’ for Cell and Gene Therapy in Lake Success, Long Island,” Albanese Organization Chairman Russell Albanese said.
“This transformative development will serve as a significant catalyst for advancing cell therapy research, development, clinical manufacturing, and commercialization across the State that will lead to increased access to transformative, life-saving treatments. The Hub will also further amplify and expand the economic engine that is the life sciences industry within New York State, and specifically Long Island.”
