A rendering of the Moderna Science Center planned at 325 Binney St. in Cambridge, Massachusetts. [Image of courtesy of Alexandria Real Estate Equities]
Moderna (Nasdaq: MRNA) announced today that it will create a 462,000-square-foot Moderna Science Center just a half-mile drive from its present headquarters location in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The creator of messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics and vaccines saw its fortunes skyrocket during the COVID-19 pandemic. It successfully created a vaccine against the novel coronavirus that millions have used in the United States and around the world. The new space, according to Moderna, will support its next chapter of discovery as it advances its pipeline of mRNA medicines. Features will include custom spaces for R&D and an integration of scientific and non-scientific areas to maximize collaboration and promote innovation.
Construction has started at 325 Binney St. Moderna plans to begin a phased move-in process in 2023. Alexandria Real Estate Equities — an urban office REIT — is handling the facility’s development, operation, and construction.
“We have been located in Massachusetts since our founding more than 10 years ago and are proud to be based here. As we advance our mRNA platform and science, our new science center will integrate digital-first scientific research and development labs along with space for innovation and co-creation with our people and our partners around the world,” Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said in a news release.
“Our commitment to sustainability and accessibility requires us to think differently about space,” Bancel said. “Even as we grow, we are committed to minimizing our environmental footprint. We will continue to invest in the local economy, work with state and community partners, and leverage the incredible innovation to attract and grow the best talent from the Massachusetts life sciences sector as we work to deliver on the promise of mRNA science.”