Thermo Fisher Scientific has expanded its clinical research operations with the opening of a state-of-the art bioanalytical lab in Richmond, Virginia.
 
The new unit will support increasing demand across biopharma for consistent, high-quality laboratory services to accelerate drug development. The 59,000-square-foot facility is part of the previously announced $97 million investment by the company to expand its bioanalytical laboratory operations in Richmond and add more than 500 jobs over the next three years.
 
The current laboratory services operation in Richmond, which Thermo Fisher acquired through the purchase of PPD, Inc. in December 2021, now comprises more than 350,000 square feet, making it one of the largest laboratories of its kind in the world. The entire Richmond operation employs about 1,300 local professionals, including Ph.D.-level scientists, analytical laboratory staff and other scientific professionals. The bulk of the expansion with this new facility will occur in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for drug discovery through to clinical testing, as well as subsequent enhancements in cell and gene therapy, biomarkers, vaccine sciences and immunochemistry.
 
“The ongoing expansion of our bioanalytical operations builds on the growth of our drug development expertise over nearly four decades, enabling us to provide customers with high-quality lab services to advance their clinical research programs,” said David M. Johnston, Ph.D., senior vice president and president, clinical research, Thermo Fisher Scientific. “These additions will enable us to meet the growing needs of our customers delivering life-changing therapies. We are thankful for the support this project has received from leaders in Virginia, Henrico County and Richmond.”
 
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin said, “Congratulations to Thermo Fisher on the unveiling of their new clinical research laboratory. As a world leader in the scientific field, we welcome their growing expansion in the Commonwealth. Their announcement is a testament to what the Commonwealth can offer for a growing company: a great workforce, economic development tools and abundant resources.”
 
The Richmond bioanalytical lab, elements of which have been operating since 1985, provides services for all phases of biopharmaceutical development for small molecule drugs, biologics, vaccines and biomarker testing. Drug testing services include drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK/PD), immunogenicity and biomarker quantitation to support drug efficacy and safety.