POWAY, CA – November 10, 2022  Cellipont Bioservices, a cell therapy contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), celebrated the start of construction for its new 76,000 sq. ft. commercial-ready, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for cell therapies and gene-modified cell therapies in The Woodlands, Texas. Cellipont was joined for the November 10 event by nearly 100 state and local government leaders, community leaders, industry organizations and other supporters.

Cellipont’s building in Research Forest is owned by Vitrian, a biomanufacturing-focused real estate investor. The design and construction team includes LEAD Construction and Inventure.

The new facility will be commissioned in phases, with the first phase scheduled to begin operation in the first half of 2023. Cellipont is currently headquartered in Poway, California, near San Diego. The company plans to make The Woodlands its headquarters location after completion.

The event began with remarks from the Cellipont team and several guest speakers, followed by the ceremonial groundbreaking, building tours and a luncheon. A sampling of remarks is provided below:

SELECTED REMARKS FROM EVENT SPEAKERS

Deborah Wild, CEO of Cellipont Bioservices:

“After months of planning and evaluation, we announced this summer our plans to build a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility here in The Woodlands. We chose the greater Houston area because it provides us a strategic location to serve patients and clinical sites across the US, with two major airports, great universities, and a strong local workforce. We specifically selected The Woodlands because of the support from local officials, the excellent schools and surroundings for our employees and the network of local educational support.”

Representative Steve Toth, District 15 (Texas House Member)

“The collective legislative team is very committed to helping businesses who come to Texas thrive. We are all committed to making this a great experience for Cellipont.”

US Congressman Kevin Brady (letter read by Field Representative James Holian)

“This milestone for your company and our community is monumental.  It is my understanding that your new 76,000 square foot facility will bring in more than 150 new jobs which will help stimulate our local economy even further. Congratulations and I look forward to following your progress.”

Scott Nudelman, Co-Founder of Vitrian, Building Owner

“We are excited to grow the bio ecosystem here in Houston and specifically The Woodlands. This will be the first of several investments we will be making, so watch this space!”

Gil Staley, CEO, The Woodlands Economic Development Partnership

“This is one of the most anticipated events that I have been a part of. You’re standing in an area that was designated to be the Research Forest decades ago.  This project represents the resurgence of the Research Forest here in The Woodlands.”

Ann Tanabe, CEO of industry group BioHouston

“We have the best and largest medical center in the world which has historically been known for patient care and is home to MD Anderson and many other phenomenal hospitals. We’ve also had a lot of research here, but historically our research has left Houston. Well, I’m happy to say that our research is now staying here and it’s translating here. Facilities like this one are going to be instrumental for us to continue to grow.”

LIST OF SPECIAL GUESTS AND ATTENDEES

The Woodlands Economic Development Partnership

Gil Staley, CEO
Jim Parisi, Vice Chairman
Dan Michalk, Treasurer
Brett Strong, Director

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors

Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs

Office of US Senator John Cornyn

Sprague Sumers

Office of US Congressman Kevin Brady

James Holian

Texas House of Representiatives

Representative Steve Toth, District 15

Office of the Governor of Texas

Betty Russo, Regional Representative

Lone Star College

Steve Head, Chancellor

BioHouston

Ann Tanabe, CEO

Great Point Partners (Cellipont Investors)

Harrison Johnson

Vitrian (Building Owner)

Scott Nudelman, Co-Founder

LEAD Construction (General Contractors)

Jacob Lee, Co-Founder
Davyd Read, Co-Founder