On September 26th, the Celltechna Gene Therapy Centre officially opened in Vilnius, marking a major milestone in Lithuania’s journey toward becoming a biotechnology leader. The centre is dedicated to researching and producing innovative gene therapies for pharmaceutical companies across Europe and the US. Built in just one year, the facility has already invested €50 million in its infrastructure and is now a hub for advanced gene therapy research and component manufacturing.
This state-of-the-art facility is part of the larger Bio City project in Vilnius, which is poised to become the largest biotechnology hub in Europe. Bio City aims to integrate cutting-edge research, production, and development in life sciences, reinforcing Lithuania’s role as a key player in the global biotech market.
At the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė emphasized that although Lithuania is a small nation, it has demonstrated the ability to compete on the global stage. She stressed the importance of formulating strategies and executing them with dedication and resilience. The Prime Minister commended Professor Vladas Algirdas Bumelis, Chairman of the Board at Northway Biotech, whose vision, expertise, and investments were pivotal in bringing this project to fruition.
“Looking back on the path we’ve travelled, we’ve created a globally competitive business, reoriented our economic ties to the West, and resisted pressures from non-democratic regimes. These economic achievements, and this centre where we stand today, mark our progress,” Šimonytė said. “But strategies and visions alone don’t bring results without the people who drive them forward with passion. Professor Bumelis is one such person—his belief in science, the state, and its people has helped build great projects like this.”
Lithuania’s goal of generating 5% of its GDP from biotechnology by 2030 is rapidly materializing, with Bio City laying the groundwork for the country’s leadership in life sciences and technology.
