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Tenant Spotlight: Spirovant Sciences

Spirovant Sciences is a gene therapy company developing treatments and cures for respiratory diseases, headquartered in Philadelphia at uCity Square. Spirovant has developed gene therapy candidates to treat cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening genetic disease with no cure that affects an estimated 75,000 patients worldwide.

These two proprietary therapies introduce a fully functional copy of the mutated gene into the respiratory system: an Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) gene therapy platform and a Lentiviral (LV) gene therapy platform. Spirovant’s goal is to make its gene therapies accessible to everyone who can benefit from them, and ultimately allow people to live longer, and with a higher quality of life.

Spirovant was founded by eight biopharma industry veterans and academic investigators as Talee Bio in 2016. Matt Glatfelter, the company’s scientific operation leader, recognizes the value of the company being located in University City where his team can leverage the expertise of the nearby world-class research institutes and leaders in biotech and gene therapy, proximity to the area’s rich talent pool, and easy access to public transit. The ability to grow in place quickly was another high priority as promising therapies are developed and the scientific team expands.

 

Spirovant employs a wide variety of assay technologies. The Ussing assay, shown here, is a powerful tool for cystic fibrosis research. Photo credit: Jay Williams, Jay’s Entertainment LLC
Spirovant employs a wide variety of assay technologies. The Ussing assay, shown here, is a powerful tool for cystic fibrosis research. Photo credit: Jay Williams, Jay’s Entertainment LLC

In the early days of the pandemic it became clear the company needed more space, and just as they had planned for, were able to grow in place at 3675 Market Street and remain a part of the dynamic uCity Square community. In 2021, Spirovant opened its new 7,485 square foot headquarters on the 9th floor at 3675 Market Street, which includes a state-of-the-art, custom-designed lab space and offices. Typically, R&D labs are located towards the core of the building, but Spirovant’s design is unique in that their workspaces face outwards, utilizing large windows that can inspire Spirovant scientists with views of the city and natural light while continuing to develop therapeutic programs to target cystic fibrosis and other respiratory diseases. Since moving into 3675 Market Street, Spirovant went from six people to a growing 43-person team on the 9th floor.

Spirovant scientists preparing samples for analysis, with expansive views of University City. Photo credit: Jay Williams, Jay’s Entertainment LLC
Spirovant scientists preparing samples for analysis, with expansive views of University City. Photo credit: Jay Williams, Jay’s Entertainment LLC

As a company, Spirovant boasts an “all hands on deck” approach that fosters a dynamic, collaborative, and positive work environment. Its employees live by its company values of “CURES” for people living with cystic fibrosis and other respiratory diseases. The employees always find time for fun, enjoying the food trucks at The Lawn and happy hours together in the neighborhood. They also encourage employees to take advantage of volunteering opportunities and team building activities around the city.

For more information about Spirovant, please visit https://spirovant.com.