Canada's Entos Pharmaceuticals to Build $137M R&D and Manufacturing Hub in Edmonton

Entos Pharmaceuticals, a Canadian biotechnology company, has announced plans to construct a state-of-the-art research and development center and biomanufacturing plant in Edmonton, Alberta. The facility, valued at CAD $198.5 million ($137.2 million), will significantly boost Canada's domestic drug manufacturing capabilities and support the company's ongoing development of innovative drug delivery technologies.

Government Funding Fuels Expansion

The ambitious project has garnered substantial support from multiple levels of government, highlighting Canada's commitment to strengthening its life sciences sector. The Government of Canada has pledged CAD $62 million ($42.8 million) towards the initiative, while the Government of Alberta is contributing CAD $15.5 million ($10.7 million).

François-Philippe Champagne, Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, emphasized the strategic importance of the investment, stating, "Our government is protecting the Canadians of tomorrow by making the necessary investments today. By supporting the construction of this state-of-the-art facility in Edmonton, we are strengthening our capacity to produce cutting-edge therapeutics and vaccines, which will better equip Canada in responding to future health emergencies."

Advancing Fusogenix Technology and Industry Partnerships

The 103,000-square-foot facility will serve as a hub for the development and production of Entos' proprietary Fusogenix proteolipid vehicles (PLVs). This innovative drug delivery technology has already attracted significant industry attention, most notably from pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly.

In 2022, Lilly invested $50 million upfront to secure exclusive rights to use Entos' PLV technology for nucleic acid-based products targeting the central and peripheral nervous systems. The new Edmonton facility is expected to play a crucial role in advancing this partnership and fostering additional collaborations within the pharmaceutical industry.

John Lewis, CEO of Entos Pharmaceuticals, expressed enthusiasm for the project, saying, "We are thrilled to receive this investment. It will help us develop, scale up, produce, and commercialize Fusogenix PLV therapeutics to address critical health needs and fill gaps in Canada's domestic manufacturing capacity."