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Before Horizon settled on Maryland for its new facility, Rees noted the company was open to other locations. However, it became clear that the Old Line State was the place to be due to the diversity of talent in the area, as well as the thought leadership in drug development. Additionally, he noted the importance of close proximity to leading government agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
As Horizon awaits the opening of its new site, expected in 2024, Rees pointed to the ever-expanding life sciences ecosystem in Maryland, particularly in the areas of rare and infectious diseases. Rees pointed out numerous companies that call Maryland home that have become thought leaders in those areas.
“Some of the institutions that have led the charge in exploring the biological origins of these diseases are here. That’s a key attraction that drew many people to this area in the first place,” Rees said.
Horizon’s new facility will provide the company with 192,000-square feet of space that is expected to quadruple the company’s footprint in Maryland. The new facility, which will house about 200 research scientists, will serve as the company’s primary East Coast research and development and technical operations.
The design of the new site, which has been influenced from input by the research scientists who will be working in that building, is expected to significantly influence collaborative opportunities within the company, as well as with external partners. Rees said a commitment to that kind of collaboration is part of the very fabric of Horizon’s company culture.
“With Horizon, it’s in our DNA to think and work primarily beyond ourselves. There’s an entrepreneurial mindset that drives us to identify best opportunities to help identify patients with rare diseases with urgency,” he said. “It’s a key element of how we consider our environment. We want it to be not only a place we can work but a place that can support local patient groups, patient advocacy organizations … to use the facilities to further their critical aims. We feel and practice our values every day and bring our whole selves to work.”
Staff scientists have actively been involved with the design of the new facility. Rees said their input has been sought because the company wants an environment that can “nurture the innovation” the new space is expected to provide. The design of the building is expected to “create connectivity” across the entire site, he added.
As Horizon looks forward to the opening of its new R&D facility, Rees said the company’s commitment goes beyond the patients it serves with its different therapeutics. The company is also committed to the communities in which its people live. He said the employees, as well as the company itself, is excited about strengthening local connections within the community, becoming more than just an employer in the area.
“It’s important to be part of the community,” he said.
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