NIB Supports FinVector’s New Gene Therapy Facility in Kuopio to Enhance Cancer Treatment Capabilities

NIB Supports FinVector’s New Gene Therapy Facility in Kuopio to Enhance Cancer Treatment Capabilities

(IN BRIEF) FinVector, a leading biopharmaceutical company, has inaugurated a cutting-edge production facility in Kuopio, Finland, aimed at manufacturing gene therapy products. The new Finport facility, which is set to become one of the world’s largest for such therapies, represents a significant milestone for both the company and Finland’s healthcare ecosystem. This investment will facilitate the utilization of waste heat from Google’s data center, enabling the production of emission-free district heating while enhancing the availability of gene therapy treatments. The facility is designed for the efficient manufacturing of innovative medicines, including the FDA-approved gene therapy for bladder cancer, Adstiladrin®. The Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) played a crucial role by providing a €45 million loan to FinVector, underscoring its commitment to supporting healthcare innovation in the Nordic-Baltic region. The establishment of this facility is expected to create jobs and stimulate local economic growth while advancing treatment options for patients globally.

(PRESS RELEASE) HELSINKI, 10-Oct-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — FinVector, a prominent player in the biopharmaceutical sector, has officially inaugurated its state-of-the-art production facility in Kuopio, Finland, dedicated to the manufacture of gene therapy products. This new establishment, known as Finport, is poised to become one of the largest gene therapy production sites globally, marking a significant milestone for both FinVector and the healthcare landscape in Finland. The Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) was honored to attend the facility’s inauguration as one of its financial supporters.

Gene therapy represents a groundbreaking approach in medicine, with ongoing advancements aimed at addressing various health challenges, including cancer, genetic disorders, and infectious diseases.

A Global Nexus in the Finnish Lakes

Located about 400 kilometers north of Helsinki and nestled among picturesque lakes and forests, Kuopio may not seem like a hub of international activity. However, FinVector’s workforce tells a different story, employing over 500 individuals from more than 50 nationalities, thus fostering a dynamic global community in this serene setting. The company’s ability to attract top talent reflects its innovative stance within the biotech industry, where cross-border collaboration is vital for progress.

Founded in 1993 by Professor Seppo Ylä-Herttuala, FinVector maintains robust connections to Finland’s academic landscape, especially with the University of Eastern Finland. This relationship is integral to the thriving research-intensive healthcare ecosystem in Kuopio, characterized by successful collaborations between the public and private sectors.

A Celebration of Collaboration

The inauguration event showcased the strength of this ecosystem, with attendees from various sectors—including academia, local government, and industry—gathered to commemorate the opening. Speeches highlighted the critical nature of partnerships between research institutions, industry, and local authorities in driving forward advancements in healthcare.

Inside the Finport Facility

The heart of Finport lies in its expansive production floor, meticulously designed to meet the demands of gene therapy drug manufacturing. Covering 25,000 square meters, this facility includes 1,400 square meters dedicated to production, as well as office spaces, meeting areas, and a dining facility. The design emphasizes precision, with isolated production lines and stringent monitoring to uphold current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) standards, ensuring safety and efficacy throughout the production process.

Visitors to the facility gained insight into the intricate manufacturing journey, which begins with the cultivation of cells—tiny factories that produce the viruses essential for gene therapy. The entire process spans several weeks, culminating in the freezing of the final drug substance.

The result of this innovative approach? Life-saving therapies like Ferring Pharmaceuticals’ Adstiladrin® (nadofaragene firadenovec-vncg), which stands as the first FDA-approved gene therapy for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. This treatment provides patients with a viable option to combat cancer while minimizing the need for extensive surgeries and reducing side effects.

Fueling Economic Growth

The impact of healthcare and the pharmaceutical sector extends beyond individual health, serving as a catalyst for economic growth. As Finland’s biopharmaceutical industry continues to thrive, FinVector exemplifies how healthcare innovation can bolster local economies. The construction of the Finport facility has already generated jobs and cultivated a robust ecosystem encompassing research, manufacturing, and business.

During his speech at the inauguration, Petri Peltonen, Under-Secretary of State for Finland’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and a member of NIB’s Board of Directors, emphasized the significance of this development.

“Finland has a rich history in biotech, originating from the forest biotech sector, which remains vital today. However, the pharmaceutical sector exemplifies how high-value products can drive and rejuvenate our economy. FinVector’s success in this field is a prime example of this transformation,” he stated.

Growing this sector necessitates considerable investment, spanning from foundational research to large-scale production. Over the past five years, NIB has committed over a billion euros in loans to support the healthcare sector in the Nordic-Baltic region, including a €45 million loan to FinVector in 2023.

Jean-Frédéric Paulsen, Executive Chairman of Ferring Pharmaceuticals and Ferring Ventures S/A, highlighted the importance of NIB’s backing.

“The support from the Nordic Investment Bank has been crucial for FinVector and our ambitions in Kuopio. Bladder cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, and with our expanded capabilities, FinVector can deliver targeted treatments to more patients in need across the United States,” Paulsen noted, also mentioning that Finport is designed to accommodate future increases in production capacity.

A Ceremony of New Beginnings

The ceremonial ribbon-cutting was conducted by Under-Secretary Petri Peltonen, Jean-Frédéric Paulsen, Soile Lahti, Mayor of Kuopio, and Dr. Frederik Paulsen, Emeritus Chairman of Ferring Group. FinVector operates as a private subsidiary of Ferring Ventures S/A.

Understanding Gene Therapy

Gene therapy is an innovative technique aimed at altering a person’s genetic makeup to treat or potentially cure diseases.

This cutting-edge field employs various mechanisms, including:

• Gene Replacement: Substituting a defective gene with a healthy one.
• Gene Silencing: Inactivating a malfunctioning gene responsible for disease.
• Gene Augmentation: Introducing new or modified genes to combat diseases effectively.

Research continues to explore the vast potential of gene therapy in treating a wide array of conditions, including cancer, genetic disorders, and infectious diseases.

What is gene therapy?

Gene therapy is a groundbreaking technique designed to alter a person’s genetic makeup to treat or even cure diseases. This innovative field operates through various mechanisms:

• Gene replacement: substituting a faulty disease-causing gene with a healthy, functional copy.

• Gene silencing: inactivating a malfunctioning disease-causing gene.

• Gene augmentation: introducing new or modified genes into the body to combat diseases effectively.

Gene therapy is a promising frontier in medicine, with ongoing research focusing on its application in treating a wide range of conditions, including cancer, genetic disorders, and infectious diseases.

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SOURCE: Nordic Investment Bank