Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation (EDC) catalyzes life sciences growth in Colorado’s Front Range communities, facilitating nearly 15 relocations or expansions of life sciences and health innovation companies within a 20-month period. With a legacy as one of the nation’s pioneering regional economic development organizations, Metro Denver EDC spans 11 counties and nearly 100 communities, shaping a vibrant economy and rich culture throughout Colorado. 

The organization's commitment to the life sciences community is exemplified by its strategic partnerships and proactive support for companies seeking to establish roots in the region. A recent milestone—the relocation of Virta Health from San Francisco to downtown Denver last in October 2023—connects the region to a transformative healthcare organization specializing in reversing type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and obesity. The company received relocation incentives, including performance-based job growth tax credits.

Metro Denver EDC played a pivotal role in facilitating Virta Health’s expansion, leveraging its extensive network and expertise to support the creation of high-paying jobs and foster groundbreaking healthcare advancements here in Colorado. 

CEO and co-founder of Virta Health, Sami Inkinen, commends Colorado’s growing reputation as an innovation hub, emphasizing the region’s exceptional talent pool and compassionate ethos. This collaboration underscores Metro Denver EDC’s unwavering dedication to propelling the life sciences sector forward.

AGC Biologics, a global CDMO, operates two major facilities in Colorado. After investing in its Boulder facility in 2020 with support from the state of Colorado and regional economic development groups, the company acquired its Longmont facility in 2021. The recent expansion of AGC Biologics' Longmont facility enhances the region's appeal for life sciences companies. Three new Grade B cell therapy suites, featuring cutting-edge modular clean room design and flexible capacity configuration, strengthens the Longmont site's cell therapy capabilities. This enhancement complements the existing viral vector expansion completed in 2022, which included a range of bioreactor sizes for product development (AMBR, 10L and 50L), and a complete range of commercial manufacturing capacities (50L, 200L, 500L and 2000L), enabling the site to provide support for the entire lifecycle of a product.

The expansion enables AGC Biologics to provide end-to-end cell therapy development and manufacturing services in one location, offering unique benefits to developers seeking comprehensive support for bringing their products to market. With additional space available, AGC Biologics is well-prepared to further expand its cell therapy capabilities to meet the growing market demand. This expansion reinforces Colorado's position a leading hub for cutting-edge biotech innovation and commercialization.

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