Situation:

Cell and gene therapies are revolutionary treatments that modify a patient's cells or genes to combat diseases at their source. Offering hope for previously incurable conditions—including cancers, genetic disorders, and autoimmune diseases—these approaches target illnesses at the cellular and genetic levels. They have the potential to provide more effective, longer-lasting treatments with fewer side effects than traditional methods. Advancements in these therapies could revolutionize healthcare, paving the way for personalized medicine and new possibilities for patients who have exhausted other treatment options.

In December, 2023, the New York Empire State Development issued a “Request for Proposals” from qualified parties for the development of a cell and gene therapy hub that will be home to organizations providing services required to support the research, development, and manufacture of new cell and gene therapies at a site in Lake Success in Long Island.

The Long Island Cell and Gene Therapy Innovation Hub stood to solidify New York's position in life sciences innovation, advance cell and gene therapy development and strengthen the state's global competitiveness.

The Albanese Development Organization (ADO) had a long history of developing public/ private projects in Long Island and throughout New York State but did not have any life science experience or knowledge of the cell and gene therapy industry. ADO contracted with NJK+A to be their Life Sciences Strategic Innovation Partner.

Actions:

Nancy J Kelley + Associates (NJK+A) served as the Life Sciences Innovation Strategic Partner for the Albanese Development Organization (ADO) throughout the RFP response and selection process.

• Together, NJK+A and ADO assembled a world class Development Team with deep experience in cell and gene therapy developments and high-profile development projects, consisting of NJK+A, Pelli Clarke & Partners, Integrated Project Management Services, New York Blood Center, and the Baruch S Blumberg Institute, amongst others (the Development Team).
• The Development Team created a Master Plan with curated services, called the New York Biogenesis Park, that would establish New York State as a leader in the cell and gene therapy industry.
• NJK+A conducted market research to understand the state of the cell and gene therapy industry.
• NJK+A then worked with ADO to draft the response to the RFP and questions submitted by NYESD, prepare for interviews and draft a 10-year strategic plan for the New York Biogenesis Park.

New York Biogenesis Park is envisioned as a cutting-edge, full-service campus dedicated to advancing cell and gene therapies and accelerating their commercialization. At full build-out, the 700,000-square-foot park would create an end-to-end Cell and Gene Therapy innovation and supply center, featuring interconnected areas for public engagement, research, manufacturing, and collaboration. The project would be developed in multiple phases, with Phase One comprising a 331,000-square-foot facility, including the first Cell and Gene Therapy Tower and Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMO) Tower.  Phase Two would further expand lab and office space, enhancing the park's capabilities for cell and gene therapy companies and service providers.

A cornerstone of New York BioGenesis Park is its incubator, supported by a $50 million investment from ESD's Long Island Investment Fund. This facility will empower early-stage therapeutic developers by offering state-of-the-art wet lab space, shared equipment, office space, and other essential resources. This nurturing environment would provide cell and gene therapy companies with access to specialized equipment, mentoring, and stage-appropriate financial guidance. As a critical component of New York BioGenesis Park, the incubator is poised to catalyze the growth of promising cell and gene therapy companies by providing them with resources and support, unlocking their potential for innovation and success.

New York Biogenesis Park will foster strong ties with academic and medical institutions throughout New York, creating a robust ecosystem for cell and gene therapy innovation at world-class institutions like Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, the Feinstein Institutes, Northwell Health, Roswell Park, Stony Brook University, Weill Cornell, Columbia University and others around the state. New York Biogenesis Park would enhance research synergies and accelerate medical breakthroughs. This ecosystem would bring together experts in advanced cell and gene therapies, offering specialized facilities, services, and resources to both tenants and collaborating institutions. By facilitating cutting-edge science, innovative technology development and novel approaches to clinical trials, New York Biogenesis Park would ensure New York's institutions remain globally competitive in groundbreaking cell and gene therapy research and commercialization.

Results:

ADO and the New York BioGenesis Park Development Team was selected as the Developer for the new cell and gene therapy hub. 

On October 22, 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled plans for New York BioGenesis Park, a groundbreaking $430 million Cell and Gene Therapy Innovation Hub in Nassau County, Long Island.

This state-of-the-art facility would catalyze CGT research, development, clinical manufacturing, and commercialization across New York State. With a historic $150 million state investment—the largest nationwide for a cell and gene therapy hub—NYBGP would accelerate the delivery of new therapies from lab to patient in New York's diverse communities. This transformative hub aims to establish New York as the leading global destination for CGT innovation, driving economic growth, attracting top talent, and revolutionizing patient care statewide and beyond.