The expansion will nearly double the capacity of Cognate's existing global manufacturing facility and headquarters located in Memphis, TN. In Memphis, the company will add two separate facilities -- a distribution center and a commercial manufacturing site -- for a total of 250,000 sq ft of space. Construction on the good manufacturing practice (GMP) distribution center is expected to finalize in early 2021. The build out of the commercial manufacturing location will begin in 2021. The facilities will bring over 550 jobs to the area.

In addition, Cobra Biologics, a gene therapy division of the Cognate BioServices group, is beginning a multiphase augmentation of its plasmid DNA services as part of its efforts to expand gene therapy services for viral vectors and plasmid DNA. This project includes a four-fold increase in DNA manufacturing capacity with new clinical and commercial grade GMP DNA facilities at its European facilities. The facility will manufacture immuno-oncology therapies utilizing adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, lentiviral vectors, and CRISPR products.

Cognate acquired Cobra Biologics in January 2020.