New site will accommodate neurodegenerative drug discovery.

EMD Serono plans on opening another research site in Cambridge to allow for growth of its U.S. drug discovery business in neurodegenerative diseases. The 18,000 square foot facility will house 50 scientists with experience in neurobiology, pharmacology, and chemistry.

“EMD Serono is following our outlined strategy to broaden our research capabilities by expanding our footprint in the state of Massachusetts in close proximity to leading academic centers and qualified expertise that can be complementary to our organization and add researchers that can grow with our team,” says Fereydoun Firouz, president and CEO. 


In 2008, EMD reported that it would spend $50 million to expand its Billerica, MA, laboratory. It is scheduled for completion next year and will focus on fertility and cancer R&D. Currently, EMD operates a research center focused on immunological disorders and cancer as well as a production plant for investigational protein therapies at Billerica. The company also has a research institute in Rockland, MA, which works on biotlogics and small molecules.


The Cambridge facility, on the other hand, will allow for further R&D into Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.



 

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