Governor Wes Moore today announced that Korean biotechnology company Nature Cell is establishing a significant location in Maryland. The company is planning to open a manufacturing facility in Baltimore City at 1401 Severn Street at the mixed-use complex Gaslight Square. The approximately 100,000 square-foot operation will be completed in two phases through 2031 and bring an estimated 500 new full-time jobs to the region.
“Maryland continues to lead in life sciences innovation and Nature Cell’s investment reinforces our reputation as a global hub for biotechnology and advanced research,” said Gov. Moore. “We are pleased that Maryland’s talent and resources continue to help attract international companies like Nature Cell to the U.S. while also creating hundreds of high-quality jobs in Baltimore.”
“Nature Cell’s decision to bring cutting-edge innovation to one of our city’s historic industrial sites shows what’s possible when we connect our legacy of manufacturing strength with our growing life sciences sector,” said Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “This is exactly the kind of investment that defines Baltimore’s next chapter. Our city is the place to be for people and businesses looking to make bold moves, and we are so excited to welcome Nature Cell America.”
Nature Cell does business in stem cells, cosmetics, and food and beverage development and manufacturing. The new facility will be operated by its subsidiary Nature Cell America, which plans to initially focus on knee osteoarthritis and Alzheimer’s stem cell research, clinical trials, and manufacturing investigational products. With expanded capacity for stem cell therapy research and development, the company hopes to produce an estimated one million doses of its product JointStem, an intra-articular stem cell injection, per year.
Nature Cell touted the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund and the state’s life sciences workforce as key factors for choosing to locate in Maryland. The company will work jointly with Biostar, a Korean holding company that leads in stem cell technology, on this new subsidiary project.
“We have chosen Maryland for the site of the Nature Cell Biostar USA Stem Cell Campus after a comprehensive evaluation of the state’s exceptional ecosystem for our business. Maryland offers an abundant pool of highly-skilled technical talent that is critical to establishing global leadership and setting industry standards in stem cell therapeutics,” said Nature Cell Chairman Dr. Jeong-Chan Ra. “The State of Maryland and Baltimore City also provide strong business support, including dedicated engagement from their government teams. Additionally, the region’s highly collaborative industry and academic network, anchored by world-class institutions such as Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and its affiliated hospitals, are central to advancing stem cell research and development.”
To assist with project costs, the Maryland Department of Commerce is working to approve a $4 million conditional loan through Advantage Maryland. The Baltimore Development Corporation is providing a $400,000 conditional loan to assist the company with its operations, and Baltimore City will also assist in expediting permitting and public approvals for the project.
“Nature Cell will be an incredible addition to our state’s life sciences sector and will create hundreds of opportunities for our educated workforce,” said Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr. “We thank the company for choosing Maryland for this new manufacturing facility and look forward to seeing its innovative progress in the years to come.”
“Nature Cell America makes another excellent addition to the Carroll-Camden Industrial Area. This project shows how collaboration between the State of Maryland and the City of Baltimore delivers real results,” said Baltimore Development Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Otis Rolley. “With the state’s Advantage Maryland program, BDC is providing a $400,000 conditional loan to support operations—we’re not only helping Nature Cell establish its U.S. presence, but also growing Baltimore’s biotech sector and creating quality jobs for city residents.”
Gaslight Square is a five-building complex on 2.7 acres in the Carroll-Camden Industrial Area. It was originally constructed in the late 1800s for Equitable Gas Works.
The property is selling for just north of $10 million. Jim Chivers of Gold and Company assisted the seller Equity Warehouse.
Equity Warehouse purchased the property in 2021 and has put more than $4 million of improvements into the complex including a new roof, custom windows, and repointed brick. It has also made improvements to the courtyard and outdoor areas.
Gaslight Square has Empowerment, Enterprise and Hub Zone designations.
“Baltimore’s industrial market continues to evolve, and redeveloping existing buildings is critical for meeting this company’s requirements,” said Chivers. “Turning this older asset into a modern facility will support manufacturing and life sciences industries in the Baltimore area.”
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