Concept Companies, a national commercial real estate developer specializing in turnkey projects, announces the commencement of the design and construction of a new 11,961-square-foot laboratory facility for Lacerta Therapeutics, Inc., a gene therapy company. The site will be located adjacent to Lacerta Therapeutics’ current location in Alachua, Florida, in Copeland Park, which Lacerta has occupied since 2020.
The facility will house cGMP cleanroom suites, cleanroom support spaces, cGMP warehousing and storage, open laboratories, workstations, offices, conference rooms, and additional building support spaces. The expansion into this second building will be primarily manufacture-focused, which will complement the first facility, which is geared toward research and development.
“We are excited to continue our relationship with Brian and his team at Concept Companies,” said Dr. Edgar Rodriguez-Lebron, President & CEO of Lacerta Therapeutics. “This customized expansion is indicative of Lacerta’s commitment to becoming a leader in adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene-based therapies.”
The decision for Lacerta Therapeutics to expand adjacent to its current facility comes on the heels of a rapid surge in biotech and life sciences-based companies in the area. The Progress District, comprised of established areas like Foundation Park, Copeland Park, and Progress Park, is a major draw for companies in the life sciences industry due to its central location and proximity to educational institutions, the University of Florida and Santa Fe College, which are producing a pipeline of talent to support the growth and development of expanding companies. The Progress District also includes the three-time InBIA Incubator of the Year, UF Innovate | Accelerate at Sid Martin Biotech, and the Santa Fe College Perry Center.
“We are thrilled to be able to once again work with Lacerta Therapeutics as they continue to expand their operations,” said Brian Crawford, Founder, Owner, and CEO of Concept Companies. “Their growth further solidifies their position as a leader, not only in the Progress District but also in the world of gene therapy as they find solutions to help those facing rare diseases.”
