Thermo Fisher to Expand Clinical Research Laboratories in Virginia

Thermo Fisher Scientific will invest $97 million to expand its bioanalytical laboratory operations into three new locations in Virginia’s Greater Richmond region, adding nearly 150,000 square feet to its existing operations in the area.

The existing laboratory services operation there comprises more than 300,000 square feet, making it one of the largest laboratories of its kind in the world, and it employs more than 1200 professionals, including PhD-level scientists, analytical laboratory staff, and other scientific professionals. Thermo Fisher acquired the laboratories with the purchase of PPD, Inc., a provider of clinical research services to the biopharmaceutical industry, in December 2021. Longer term, the company plans to continue to invest in and connect the capabilities across the combined company.

The bulk of the expansion will occur in immunochemistry and chromatography functions, as well as subsequent enhancements in biomarker and vaccine sciences. Two new bioanalytical laboratories will be established in Virginia’s Henrico County, and a third bioanalytical laboratory will be established at the VA Bio+Tech Park in the city of Richmond. Thermo Fisher’s clinical research business offers comprehensive laboratory services spanning bioanalytical, biomarkers, central laboratory, services under good manufacturing practice (GMP) guidelines, and vaccine sciences to accelerate pharmaceutical development for small molecules, biologics, and vaccines.