Horizon Therapeutics signed a long-term, full-building lease to be the first tenant at the Alexandria Center at Traville Gateway campus in Rockville, Maryland.

When completed, the state-of-the-art facility will serve as the company’s primary East Coast research and development and technical operations hub, according to company officials. Construction at the 192,000-square-foot site is underway and Horizon expects to start work on interior improvements in 2023.

“Maryland has one of the fastest growing biotechnology communities in the country with a world-class talent pool of scientists and researchers,” said Tim Walbert, chairman, president and CEO, Horizon. “With this new facility we are more than quadrupling our current Maryland footprint and creating a hub that will support job growth, drive our company’s continued efforts to develop new medicines for patients with rare, autoimmune and severe inflammatory diseases and meet the needs of our expanding pipeline. We look forward to expanding our presence in Maryland and appreciate the support from local, state and federal officials who recognize the economic and community value of the life science industry.”

Horizon Therapeutics is focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of medicines that address critical needs for people impacted by rare, autoimmune and severe inflammatory diseases.

“It is exciting news that Horizon Therapeutics has chosen Maryland for a significant expansion, which will enable the company to continue its important work in treating people impacted by rare, autoimmune and severe inflammatory diseases,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “It is a testament to our outstanding business climate and wealth of resources that we have seen so many life sciences companies expand and add thousands of new jobs in our state in recent years.”