ISPE 2019 Facility of the Year Honorable Mention Award

The ISPE Facility of the Year Awards (FOYA) honors projects that exemplify innovation, sustainability and excellence in pharmaceutical manufacturing. In 2019, the AveXis Gene Therapy Manufacturing Facility was recognized with a FOYA Honorable Mention because of its significant impact on the gene therapy industry and its potential to change lives. GBA provided comprehensive design services for the project.

Project Location and Overview

The AveXis Gene Therapy Manufacturing Facility is a state-of-the-art facility in suburban Chicago. Originally a 50,000-square-foot shell warehouse, the building was transformed into a cutting-edge manufacturing center for gene therapies. The facility now plays a crucial role in AveXis’ mission to develop and commercialize treatments for rare and life-threatening neurological genetic diseases.

Project History and Details

Founded in 2013, AveXis is at the forefront of gene therapy, focusing on innovative treatments that have the potential to transform lives. As part of its growth, AveXis needed to scale up its manufacturing capabilities from academic research to full commercial production—a complex challenge that required a highly specialized facility.

GBA’s design services included architectural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) design and fire protection services. The project involved the design and layout of cleanroom PODs, laboratories, warehouses, cold rooms and packaging and inspection areas. The GBA team also ensured that the entire building was equipped to support all production operations, including plant and process utilities, UPS, generators and a new service entrance.

GBA worked closely with AveXis, providing on-site engineering owner’s representation to assist with process engineering, equipment startup, troubleshooting, SOP and batch record development and more. The collaborative effort allowed AveXis to meet its tight deadlines and regulatory requirements, ensuring its groundbreaking gene therapies could reach patients as quickly as possible.