Cellares Selects the Netherlands for European Headquarters and Smart Factory
U.S.-based cell therapy manufacturing pioneer expands production capacity for European patients with new facility in Leiden
Cellares, the first Integrated Development and Manufacturing Organization (IDMO) for cell therapies headquartered in South San Francisco, California, has announced a major expansion into Europe with the establishment of its new IDMO Smart Factory and European headquarters at Leiden Bio Science Park.
Cellares supports biopharmaceutical companies in the development, scale-up, and commercialization of life-saving cell therapies. As cell therapies are customized for each individual patient and must be produced within tight timeframes, having manufacturing capacity close to key markets is becoming essential as treatments progress toward commercial rollout.
This facility will give European therapy developers direct access to Cellares’ automated production technologies and strengthen the Netherlands’ position as a leading European hub for advanced therapies and biomanufacturing.
The new Dutch facility will see a phased fit-out to prepare it for operations, with initial occupancy anticipated later in 2026.
Scaling innovation to advance global health
The new 9,741 m² facility, housed in the Nexus building in Leiden and developed in partnership with real estate developer Dura Vermeer Commercieel Vastgoed, will serve as a regional manufacturing center for Europe’s growing cell therapy ecosystem.
By deploying its fully automated Cell Shuttle™ manufacturing platform and Cell Q™ quality control technologies in Leiden, Cellares will provide European biopharmaceutical partners with scalable, standardized, and highly reliable production capacity close to their patients.
“Cell therapies are manufactured to order for each patient, and the work is time-sensitive,” said Fabian Gerlinghaus, Co-founder and CEO of Cellares. “A European hub gives partners a local supply path while keeping control consistent across geographies through a single automated standard.”
Leveraging the full potential of the Netherlands’ Life Sciences & Health ecosystem
Cellares’ choice of the Netherlands reinforces the country’s standing as one of Europe’s most innovative and connected Life Sciences & Health hubs. Leiden Bio Science Park, home to more than 150 life sciences companies, research institutes, and manufacturing facilities, provides an ideal environment for companies scaling advanced therapeutic technologies. Cellares’ automated IDMO model aligns closely with the region’s strengths in robotics, biotech, and digital health, while complementing existing cell and gene therapy capabilities across the country.
Supported by world‑class physical and digital infrastructure, combined with the Netherlands’ ‘quadruple-helix’ approach, which fosters productive connections between institutions, industry, government and patients, the Netherlands is a place where Life sciences & Health companies can innovate and flourish, enhancing good health and wellbeing for generations to come.
Source: Cellares
18 February 2026