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Molecular Biotechnology Center Starts Establishment at VCIIP, with Planned Investments of up to EUR 200 Million
Biotechnology company Molecular Biotechnology Center, JSC, is starting establishment at the Vilnius City Innovation Industrial Park (VCIIP). By the end of 2028, as part of the first stage of development, a 5,000 m² R&D and production center facility will be established. The center will specialize in monoclonal antibodies and other therapeutic proteins, with a focus on deveopment and manufacturing of biological medical products for both clinical reasearch and the global pharmaceutical market.
According to Professor Vladas Algirdas Bumelis, CEO of Molecular Biotechnology Center, the creation of such a center will enable Lithuania to establish itself among the countries capable of developing and manufacturing biological products for international markets.
“For me, this is particularly significant – just a few decades ago, such opportunities in Lithuania seemed unimaginable, and today we are becoming global players. This continuation of the Bio City project will not only strengthen Lithuania’s life sciences industry but also reflect global trends – the rapidly growing demand for biological medicines and the need for innovative production technologies,” said Prof. Bumelis.
Under the agreement signed between the VCIIP operator Northtown Vilnius and Molecular Biotechnology Center, the company will be located on a 3.94 ha site within the park. One hundred fifty new high value-added job positions are expected to be created. Subject to successful fundraising, the planned investment in the project will reach up to EUR 200 million.
According to Dr. Gediminas Pauliukevičius, CEO of Northtown Vilnius, this is probably the largest life sciences investment this year, not only within VCIIP but also in Vilnius as a whole.
“This investment is remarkable for Vilnius and for VCIIP not only because of its scale. We value it for its vision and its impact on the entire Lithuanian life sciences ecosystem – it clearly demonstrates a strong scientific foundation, high-level genomics and molecular biotechnology research, active cooperation with international partners, and ultimately, Lithuania’s potential as a strong global biotechnology player. We are honored that Molecular Biotechnology Center has chosen to expand specifically at VCIIP. Moreover, with this ambitious project, the Vilnius City Innovation Industrial Park enters its final stage of development,” noted Dr. Pauliukevičius.
Prof. Bumelis also emphasized that VCIIP provides not only modern infrastructure but also an environment that fosters innovation and collaboration.
“The fact that this is already the second company from our Northway group of companies to choose this location confirms our confidence in the park’s vision and the potential of Lithuania’s life sciences ecosystem,” Prof. Bumelis added.
According to Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas, Vilnius today stands out in the region for its sustainable growth.
“At last, we are equal players among European capitals that are attractive and relevant to innovative business. I am convinced this is the result of joint efforts by the city and by visionary people in science and business. I have no doubt that the Bio City project at VCIIP will increasingly highlight Vilnius on the global map and within the growing life sciences industry. I also hope it will serve as a clear signal and invitation for others to choose Vilnius and VCIIP for their business development,” said Mayor Benkunskas.
Dr. Pauliukevičius further noted that the life sciences community being established at VCIIP and its ambitious initiatives will serve as a sustainable core strengthening Lithuania’s position and breakthrough in global markets.
“Yet beyond the companies’ own potential and ability to grow, compete and represent Lithuania, an important task also lies with the state and with us as Operator – to keep moving forward, creating more platforms and tools for knowledge-sharing and new solution development, to become a hub for addressing the latest challenges and trends in the life sciences industry. Seven years ago, we cautiously envisioned exactly this role for VCIIP in Vilnius and in Lithuania’s ecosystem. So far, we are moving along quite smoothly, and I really hope we will succeed in fully realizing this vision,” Dr. Pauliukevičius said.
Molecular Biotechnology Center becomes the 13th life sciences company to expand at VCIIP, joining neighbors such as Biogami, Biotecha, BioProcess Solutions, Biogroup Baltics, CMB Medicina, Domus Naturae, Experimentica, Gensinta, Imunodiagnostika, Stem Cell Research Center, Pentasweet, and Sanobiotec. VCIIP also hosts six clusters, four of which operate in the field of life sciences.
Currently, 23 companies have established or are in the process of establishing operations at VCIIP, in areas spanning life sciences, new manufacturing processes, materials and technologies, as well as an inclusive and creative society. To date, VCIIP has attracted investments exceeding EUR 280 million.