NIB and Celltechna Collaborate on First Baltics Gene Therapy Centre to Boost Life Sciences Innovation

NIB and Celltechna Collaborate on First Baltics Gene Therapy Centre to Boost Life Sciences Innovation

(IN BRIEF) NIB has financed the Gene Therapy Centre in Lithuania, a groundbreaking facility advancing gene therapy research and manufacturing. Opened in September, it is a critical part of Lithuania’s life sciences sector, contributing to the country’s goal of growing the sector’s share of GDP from 2.5% to 5% by 2030. The Centre is also key to the BIO CITY initiative, aiming to create Europe’s largest biotechnology hub.

(PRESS RELEASE) HELSINKI, 20-May-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Following its Board of Directors meeting in Vilnius, the members of the Board, along with the Bank’s management, visited the Gene Therapy Centre, a state-of-the-art facility financed by the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB). Situated just outside Lithuania’s capital, the Centre is leading advancements in both research and manufacturing processes within the country’s growing life sciences sector.

Opened in September, the Centre is a critical part of Lithuania’s rapidly expanding life sciences industry, which currently contributes around 2.5% to the country’s GDP. The sector is poised to double its share to 5% by 2030, and the Gene Therapy Centre is playing a pivotal role in this growth.

“This investment is not just about constructing a building – it’s the first facility in the Baltics dedicated to developing and manufacturing advanced gene therapy drugs,” stated Prof. Vladas Algirdas Bumelis, CEO of Celltechna. “This Centre marks a significant milestone in the development of BIO CITY, our long-term vision to build Europe’s largest biotechnology hub. We are thrilled to be partnering with NIB to foster scientific innovation and strengthen the life sciences sector, benefiting the Nordic-Baltic region.”

The Chair of NIB’s Board of Directors, Merle Wilkinson, emphasized the importance of the project for both Lithuania and NIB. “This Centre not only creates high-value-added jobs but also builds a competitive advantage for Lithuania’s economy over the long term. Through such partnerships, we are enhancing the resilience of the economies across the Nordic-Baltic region,” she said.

Media Contact:

Jukka Ahonen
Head of Communications
+358 10 618 0295
jukka.ahonen@nib.int

SOURCE: Nordic Investment Bank