Legend Biotech
Few things capture the imagination the way CAR-T cell therapy does. This customizable technology reprograms a person’s own white blood cells to target cancer cells. It’s the main specialty of US company Legend Biotech, which developed a promising cell therapy candidate in 2017: cilta-cell.
A few years later, this success story crossed the Atlantic and settled right into Flanders’ ecosystem for life sciences & health. The move was a conscious choice that also was a no-brainer.
In essence
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American company Legend Biotech built very first European production site for cilta-cel, a life-saving CAR-T cell therapy, in Ghent, Flanders.
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Flanders was chosen for its strong reputation in life sciences, talent pool, strategic location and – the icing on the cake – strong government support.
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Flanders Investment & Trade helped Legend Biotech find business partners and talented employees to get smoothly introduced into Flanders’ ecosystem.
Flanders tops the wish list
In 2021, Legend Biotech began construction of its first-ever production site in continental Europe. It chose a prime location: the Tech Lane Ghent Science Park, a vibrant ecosystem of research centers and high-tech growth companies.
“Different sites in several countries were in the running,” says Liz Gowen, Senior Vice President of Technical Operations at Legend Biotech. “But Flanders was at the top of the list. Not only does the region have a stellar reputation in the field of life sciences, but Flanders also offers an ideal location within Europe. Add to that its proximity to Brussels Airport and the available government support, and the picture is clear.”
It’s a match (with the ecosystem)
The new production hub is part of a partnership with Janssen Pharmaceutica. “They were indispensable in getting this project up and running,” says Birk Vanderweeën, General Manager of Europe at Legend Biotech. “Through our collaboration, we become part of a strong ecosystem. Our company fits in perfectly here.”
The match also creates solid synergies. “With a 26,000-m² site, we add significant production capacity to Flanders’ ecosystem,” Birk explains. “This is a rather unique scale in the world of cell therapy.” In addition, Legend Biotech expects to recruit a lot of local talent. Liz: “The Ghent biotech cluster provides access to a strong talent pool and allows us to invest in our workforce, thanks to training support we receive in Flanders.”
When it all just fits
From local contacts to interesting partners and talent, Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) helped Legend Biotech find what it was looking for in Flanders.
“Our strong talent pool, location and logistical strengths caught the company’s eye, giving Flanders an advantage over other European locations that also wanted to convince Legend Biotech of their assets,” says Kristof Lowyck, Deputy Director of Inward Investment at FIT. "What’s more, Legend Biotech strengthens the image of Flanders’ ecosystem and enables local talent to prosper. Talk about a win-win!”
Looking ahead with ambition
In the meantime, Legend Biotech is looking forward and up. “Our new site in Ghent will play a crucial role in our mission to develop innovative cell therapies and bring them to patients worldwide,” Liz concludes. “Our ambition is to further expand our production on European soil – with Flanders as our home base.”
Inspiration galore
It’s clear: international business has the power to connect beyond borders – bringing a range of advantages as well as innovative and business opportunities to both sides of the table.