Customized Genomics, a groundbreaking biotech company, recently launched their new facility in Concord, Ontario. This action reflects their high ambition to lead the way on developing gene therapy. In 2014, the company was started by the CEO Dr. Chetan Tailor. It began its history in a modest 200 square foot lab located in the heart of downtown Toronto. Tailored Genes’ founder has a rich history that comes from a long line of tailors and garment makers. Today, we continue to fiercely protect that tradition by providing the highest-quality viral solutions to researchers and therapeutic developers globally.
We’re relocating into a new, high-tech, 5,145 sq ft facility. This transition is part of a larger project that incorporates over $2 million investments, with the Government of Canada investing more than $1 million through the federal economic development agency for Southern Ontario, FedDev Ontario. This new funding will increase creation of viral vectors. These vectors are an essential step in developing new, gene-based treatments for rare and life-threatening diseases.
At Tailored Genes, Dr. Tailor created viral vectors during after-hours sessions. Speaking at the center’s opening ceremony, he thanked them for the rare opportunity. He stressed the importance of this milestone for not only the company but for the field of gene therapy as a whole.
“Today, as we open the doors of Tailored Genes, I am filled with gratitude. Thanks to the support of the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, the partnership of The City of Vaughan, and the dedication of our incredible team, we are not just opening a facility; we are opening a new chapter in innovation, collaboration, and hope for the future of gene therapy.” – Dr. Chetan Tailor, Founder and President, Tailored Genes Inc.
The new facility will expand Tailored Genes’ capacity to test and develop gene and cell therapy techniques. This funding is part of the Government of Canada’s larger investment in new community economic development initiatives led by FedDev Ontario. Since 2015, they’ve invested close to $1.2 billion in grassroots support of nearly 1,500 projects throughout the Greater Toronto Area. This funding is made up of well over $250 million targeted at close to 70 life science projects just in southern Ontario.
The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Innovation and Digital Development, lauded the investment’s importance. He emphasized the importance of CBDR in influencing Canada’s biotechnology landscape.
“Together, we are helping clinicians get faster access to the next generation of medical innovation and treatments to improve lives. By investing in local companies like Tailored Genes Inc., our government is addressing a critical gap for domestic biotech manufacturing to ensure that we have the needed tools and space to bolster Canada’s world-class life science sector and build a more resilient future.” – The Honourable Evan Solomon.
The impact of Tailored Genes’ work goes far beyond the four walls of its facility. As a leader in providing custom viral solutions, the firm plays a crucial role in helping innovators bring their concepts to fruition. THIS NEW SITE This new site is… incredible! Any researcher will tell you how much this hinders their ability to do research to create new therapies and treatments.
The Honourable Judy Sgro, Member of Parliament for Humber River–Black Creek, welcomed the participants to the event with enthusiasm. She made clear how important this project is to the community and to significantly growing the biotech pipeline.
“This investment is great news for Concord and Canada’s biotech and life sciences sector. Tailored Genes Inc. is doing incredible work, and this new facility will help them to advance life-saving treatments and strengthen our community’s role in Canada’s health innovation ecosystem.” – The Honourable Judy Sgro.
Tailored Genes is beginning an ambitious new chapter. It’s well-positioned to continue making major contributions to Canada’s healthcare innovation ecosystem and beyond. By expanding its manufacturing capabilities and continuing to deliver high-quality viral vectors, Tailored Genes reaffirms its commitment to improving lives through advanced medical therapies.
