Gilead Sciences will purchase a clinical biologics manufacturing facility and certain process development assets in Oceanside, CA from Genentech, a member of the Roche Group. The agreement covers Genentech’s Oceanside Clinical Plant (OCP), a 70,000-sq.-ft. facility and certain process development assets. Gilead will hire approximately 55 Genentech manufacturing specialists and process development scientists familiar with the facilities to assist with operations.

The OCP facility is currently produces biologic compounds for toxicological, Phase I and Phase II studies. Initially, Gilead will use the facility for the process development and manufacture of GS 6624 (formerly AB0024), an investigational monoclonal antibody candidate in development for treatment of certain cancers and for fibrotic diseases, and another antibody currently in preclinical testing.

“This acquisition represents a unique opportunity to establish Gilead’s biologics process research and manufacturing capability while bringing on a team of employees with strong expertise in biologics manufacturing and process development. This will enable us to accelerate internal biologics research and development programs and take advantage of external opportunities in the future,” said Norbert W. Bischofberger, Ph.D., Gilead’s executive vice president, R&D and chief scientific officer. “We look forward to welcoming our colleagues in Oceanside, as we seek to advance development of GS 6624 and other novel therapies for life-threatening diseases with unmet medical need.”

The transaction is expected to close in 3Q11, subject to certain conditions. Financial terms were not disclosed.