Santa Monica, Calif. – January 10, 2013 – Agensys, Inc., an affiliate of Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma Inc., today celebrates the grand opening of the company’s new research and development facility located at 1800 Stewart Street in Santa Monica, Calif. The company’s current 250 employees and contractors will move to the new 160,000 square foot facility over the next few months. At capacity, the buildings will hold just over 300 employees. The buildings and site emphasize sustainability and the complex is designed to achieve LEED Silver certification.
A public rotating sculpture exhibit will be displayed throughout the small park and pedestrian path that connects the facility to Bergamot station. The first set of sculptures were commissioned from artist Brad Howe and are inspired by cancer fighting antibodies while others are inspired by a range of related scientific processes. Howe has exhibited in more than 16 countries worldwide, and his works have been placed in collections in 32 countries.
“The theme of the first set of sculptures by Brad Howe embody the values of Agensys, Inc. in our quest to develop treatments for patients suffering from cancer. That’s why we’re thrilled to be moving to a new, state-of-the-art building that will help us accomplish those goals,” said Sef Kurstjens, M.D., Ph.D. Agensys President & CEO. “Our move to an integrated, environmentally friendly facility within the same neighborhood in Santa Monica demonstrates our commitment to employees and to their needs in the workplace, as well as to the local community.”
Astellas recognizes the officials of Santa Monica, Los Angeles County and the State of California for their collaboration with the company to help reach this important milestone. Agensys partnered with SAW & Associates to manage the development of the buildings and site. The new headquarters was designed by architect HLW International LLP, in conjunction with CRB Engineering. The facility was built by Hathaway Dinwiddie Construction Co.
About Agensys
Agensys, Inc., an affiliate of Astellas Pharma Inc., is developing a pipeline of therapeutic fully human monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to treat cancer. The MAb product pipeline is being generated through Agensys' diverse portfolio of proprietary, clinically relevant cancer targets. Agensys' target portfolio and related products are protected by a large patent estate. The company has full capabilities to generate, develop and manufacture antibody products. Agensys is progressing a pipeline of both naked and antibody-drug conjugated (ADC) therapeutic antibodies, directed at a variety of cancer indications, including those of the prostate, kidney, pancreas, ovary, bladder, lung, colon, breast and skin. Current clinical stage ADC products are based on drug platform technologies developed by Seattle Genetics.
Agensys is developing a growing pipeline of clinical stage functional MAbs and ADC products.