Shire plc will expand its operations in Cambridge, MA, establishing a rare disease innovation hub and increasing its footprint in Kendall Square, leasing a 343,000-sq.-ft. building with occupancy anticipated for 1Q19.

Shire will create a cross-disciplinary campus with teams spanning research, clinical development, medical affairs, business development, and other related functions.

“By expanding our presence in Cambridge, with its close proximity to best-in-class hospitals, research institutions, universities and a thriving biotechnology community, we will strengthen our ties with the early innovators around us to shape the next generation of breakthrough therapies for patients with high unmet needs,” said Shire chief executive officer Flemming Ornskov, M.D., M.P.H. “These plans signify our continued growth and our deep and enduring commitment to serving patients, families and caregivers across the globe who are affected by rare diseases and highly specialized conditions.”

Shire will retain its current office, lab, and manufacturing space in MA, including its presence in Lexington, where it’s been located since 2007. Shire currently employs more than 3,000 people in MA. As part of its growth in Kendall Square, Shire is undertaking a strategic review to identify which specific functions will be located there over time and plans to add nearly 400 positions in MA.