Concept Companies has announced a strategic collaboration with Lacerta Therapeutics, Inc., a leader in the AAV gene therapy space, providing Lacerta with access to financing to support the expansion of operations and new facilities. The financing is being provided via Agility Venture Capital, the funding arm of Concept Companies.

The two companies also announced the groundbreaking for Lacerta’s new 11,961-square-foot state-of-the-art cGMP manufacturing facility located in Alachua’s Progress District, adjacent to its current site in Copeland Park, which the company has occupied since 2020. Lacerta expects the creation of an additional 20 full-time jobs to support clinical manufacturing of their lead AAV gene therapy products.

“The funding vehicle via Agility is indicative of the exceptional relationship between Concept Companies and Lacerta, and our strong commitment to the region,” said Dr. Edgar Rodriguez-Lebron, President & CEO of Lacerta Therapeutics. “It also reflects the growth and success of Lacerta and the Alachua biotech hub. We are excited to join forces with Concept as we continue our mission to bring these much-needed, novel medicines to the clinic.”

The facility will house three large cGMP cleanroom suites, cleanroom support spaces, cGMP warehousing and storage, open laboratories, workstations, offices, conference rooms, and additional building support spaces. The expansion into this second building will be primarily manufacture-focused, which will complement the first facility, which is geared toward research and development.

“Lacerta Therapeutics is making an important difference in the world through science and discovery, and we are pleased to support the company’s efforts,” said Brian Crawford, Founder, Owner, and CEO of Concept Companies. “We have a great deal of confidence in Lacerta and their ability to execute their mission. They have a world-class team of forward-thinking individuals, which is evidenced by their continued strategic growth. Concept Companies is honored to have the opportunity to not only develop their facilities but to make a financial investment as well.”

“Lacerta’s expansion is very good for the region and continues to build momentum for the Gainesville area as a hub for science and health leadership,” said Jeremy Scheer, Manager, Agility Venture Capital. “We take pride in being an integral part of this growth.”

The new Lacerta facility is expected to be completed in Q2 2023.

Learn more about Concept Companies and Lacerta Therapeutics form a Strategic Partnership Around Facilities Expansion and Financing