uniQure to Build 55,000 Square Foot State-of-the-Art Gene Therapy Production Plant in U.S. to Leverage AAV-Manufacturing Strength

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS--(Marketwired - July 30, 2013) - uniQure B.V., a leader in human gene therapy, today announced it has commenced build-out of a state-of-the-art 55,000 square foot US manufacturing plant in Lexington, Massachusetts for the production of commercial grade Adeno Associated Virus (AAV)-based gene therapy products to complement its current EMA-approved site in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The Company expects the facility to be operational by early 2015.

The US site will significantly expand the Company’s current production capacity. Once completed, it is expected to allow uniQure to capitalize on its modular manufacturing platform and leverage its process leadership in commercial grade AAV manufacturing. With two validated manufacturing sites on stream, the Company will be able to ensure it can supply commercial grade material for its pipeline of products as they advance into pivotal studies and will be positioned as the partner of choice for the manufacturing, development and commercialization of AAV-based gene therapies.

In connection with uniQure’s US expansion, the Company has appointed Lance Weed as VP US Operations. Mr. Weed was previously Executive Director, Site Operations at Amgen, and prior to that VP of Operations at BioVex Inc. Mr. Weed has extensive experience with the manufacturing of viral-based pharmaceuticals and oversaw the construction of Amgen’s (BioVex’s) launch grade viral vector manufacturing facility in Woburn, MA from scratch. He will join the Company on September 1.

In addition, uniQure raised USD 10 million in venture debt from Hercules Technology Growth Capital, Inc. (NYSE: HTGC) (“Hercules”) to finance the build-out of the US plant, and for general working capital purposes.

“The construction of this facility represents our commitment to establishing a global, fully integrated gene therapy company as we continue to build on our leadership position in the field of AAV-based gene therapy products,” said Jörn Aldag, CEO of uniQure.

About uniQure
uniQure is delivering on the promise of gene therapy, single treatments with potentially curative results. We have developed a modular platform to rapidly bring new disease modifying therapies to patients with severe disorders. Our approach is validated by multiple partnerships and the regulatory approval of our lead product Glybera. www.uniqure.com.

About Hercules Technology Growth Capital, Inc.
Hercules Technology Growth Capital, Inc. (NYSE: HTGC) (“Hercules”) is the leading specialty finance company focused on providing senior secured loans to venture capital-backed companies in technology-related markets, including technology, biotechnology, life science and energy technology (aka cleantech) industries at all stages of development. Since inception (December 2003), Hercules has committed more than $3.8 billion to over 240 companies and is the lender of choice for entrepreneurs and venture capital firms seeking growth capital financing.

Disclaimer
This press release contains forward-looking statements based on uniQure’s current expectations. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding the completion of the build-out of our new manufacturing facility, receipt of regulatory approval of our manufacturing facility, and the development of additional gene therapies. Actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including uncertainties regarding further regulatory requirements, the success of further clinical trials, and competitive pressures. uniQure assumes no responsibility to update such forward-looking statements.

Press release (PDF): http://hugin.info/157414/R/1719581/572296.pdf