GuangzhouMay 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — To further enhance its global service capabilities, Yunzhou Bio today officially announced an investment of $50 million to build an advanced biomanufacturing and R&D center in Chicago, USA. This move represents a significant upgrade to Yunzhou Bio’s global strategy and reflects the company’s firm commitment to long-term dedication in the gene delivery field and the continuous advancement of gene-based therapeutics.
As an increasing number of cell and gene therapy (CGT) projects enter clinical development, the demands on gene delivery platforms are constantly rising. Vector design is no longer just a single step in early-stage R&D; it is now closely linked to subsequent manufacturing processes, regulatory compliance, and clinical performance. At the same time, there is a growing market demand for integrated platforms that offer both R&D flexibility and scalable manufacturing capabilities, reducing the need for late-stage process adjustments.
▲ Yunzhou Bio GMP Laboratory
The new center, funded by this investment, will integrate Yunzhou Bio’s R&D and manufacturing capabilities, covering the company’s complete gene delivery product portfolio, including plasmids, recombinant viral vectors, IVT RNA, and genetically engineered cells. Additionally, by unifying technical and manufacturing processes, the center will further streamline the entire development pathway from research to GMP production, effectively addressing common industry challenges such as fragmented development stages and high transition costs, thereby improving project translation efficiency. The project will be implemented in phases, with initial operations expected to commence in 2027, followed by gradual expansion based on customer demand and project scale.
Dr. Lan Tian, Chief Scientist at Yunzhou Bio, stated: “Although the CGT industry has experienced some fluctuations in recent years, we remain firmly optimistic about the long-term prospects of gene-based therapeutics. This investment reflects our core strategic judgment: gene delivery technology will become a key driver in the next phase of industry development. By further enhancing localized R&D and manufacturing capabilities, we aim to more efficiently integrate regional talent and industrial resources, strengthening our biomanufacturing and R&D capabilities through a highly synergistic, integrated model. This will better position us to drive innovation and scaled development amid sustained industry growth.”
▲ Dr. Lan Tian, Chief Scientist at Yunzhou Bio
Dr. Kristofer Mussar, Chief Operating Officer of International Business at Yunzhou Bio, stated: “Chicago is rapidly emerging as a major hub for life science innovation in the United States, boasting robust industrial infrastructure and a wealth of scientific talent. Additionally, its advantageous location allows us to serve North American customers more efficiently. As more projects enter clinical development, the demand for coordinated R&D and manufacturing capabilities continues to grow.”
▲ Dr. Kristofer Mussar, Chief Operating Officer of International Business at Yunzhou Bio
The new center will further enhance Yunzhou Bio’s production capacity and delivery efficiency in North America, providing more timely and reliable support for research institutions and biopharmaceutical companies in the region as their projects transition from early-stage research to IND-enabling studies and clinical manufacturing.
Dr. Luisa Iruela-Arispe, Chair of the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, commented: “As cell and gene therapy pipelines continue to mature, access to advanced integrated development and manufacturing capabilities has become a critical bottleneck for industry progress. Strengthening local production capacity in North America is indispensable for accelerating the translation of fundamental research findings into clinical applications.”
▲ Dr. Luisa Iruela-Arispe, Chair of the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Once completed, the new center will synergize with Yunzhou Bio’s global operational network in the United States, Europe, and Asia, further enhancing regional service capabilities and providing global customers with more stable, efficient, one-stop support during clinical and commercialization stages.