FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 17, 2020

CONTACT
Kristin O’Keefe, VP of Communications & Marketing
kristin@thinkmoco.com
240.641.6703

POTENTIAL FOR 500 NEW JOBS OVER SEVEN YEARS FOR COMPANY WITH LUPUS NEPHRITIS TREATMENT BREAKTHROUGH

Rockville, Md. — Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc., a Canadian-based, late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company focused on developing voclosporin, an investigational drug for the treatment of lupus nephritis, today announced the Company has established its U.S. commercial operations in Rockville, Maryland. This new Montgomery County site will support Aurinia’s plans for growth as it prepares for potential FDA approval and launch in 2021.

Aurinia expects to place up to 100 employees at the site in the first year and potentially provide 500 highly skilled, well-paying jobs over seven years if it receives approval for multiple indications of voclosporin.

Aurinia’s selected site at 77 Upper Rock Circle in the City of Rockville will initially occupy approximately 30,000 square feet, with possible expansions to 120,000 square feet over time as the company grows its operations. The new Aurinia office is located within the I-270 life sciences and biotech corridor, which is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading sources of innovation and industry talent.

Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation helped to coordinate and solidify Aurinia’s selection of its new commercial center of operations. Montgomery County is participating in this project with a $700,000 Economic Development Fund conditional grant, with the State of Maryland providing a $2 million Advantage Maryland conditional loan and the City of Rockville providing a $50,000 MOVE grant. As Aurinia expands operations, it is expected to be eligible for other State of Maryland programs including Job Creation Tax Credits.

“We are thrilled to announce the opening of our U.S. commercial offices in Rockville, Maryland, as we continue to develop voclosporin, which has the potential to become the first-ever approved treatment for patients suffering from lupus nephritis. This important milestone follows the recent build-out of our commercial leadership team, as we move swiftly yet responsibly toward commercial readiness,” said, Aurinia President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Greenleaf. “The state’s commitment to attracting and supporting leading innovators played a key role in our decision to establish Aurinia’s U.S. presence here. We look forward to joining and contributing to the ecosystem of top-notch biopharmaceutical companies and research institutions in Montgomery County, as we build a global company.”

“We are excited to welcome Aurinia and all of the new life sciences jobs the company will bring to Maryland,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “Our highly-educated workforce, proximity to many key federal agencies and labs, and critical mass of life sciences companies and resources makes our state the ideal place for a growing company like Aurinia to continue its life-saving work developing transformative therapies.”

“We take pride in the fact that another innovative international company has recognized that Montgomery County is a perfect location for its U.S. offices,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Our highly educated, multilingual population provides companies with their most important ingredient: talent.”

“Peter Greenleaf has an excellent track record in high level positions with major Montgomery County life science companies including Medimmune and Sucampo Pharmaceuticals,” said Montgomery County Council President Sidney Katz. “We are very confident in his leadership and are so pleased that the relationship will continue through Aurinia.”

“Aurinia brings their innovative medicines that give hope to those with lupus to Montgomery County. Coupled with the production of the first FDA-approved lupus therapy in 50 years, Montgomery County is fast being recognized as the treatment epicenter for lupus and other debilitating diseases,” said President and CEO of Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation Benjamin H. Wu. “Montgomery County continues to leverage its existing strengths to change lives as our biotech sector matures and the number of commercial-stage companies increases.”

“The City of Rockville is thrilled to welcome Aurinia,” said Rockville Mayor Bridget Donnell Newton. "We look forward to your success in finding cures for serious diseases such as Lupus Nephritis.”

ABOUT AURINIA

Aurinia Pharmaceuticals is a late clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing therapies to treat targeted patient populations that are impacted by serious diseases with a high unmet medical need. The Company is currently developing an investigational drug, for the treatment of lupus nephritis, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and dry eye syndrome. The Company’s head office is in Victoria, British Columbia and focuses its development efforts globally.

Aurinia Media Contact
Krystle Gibbs | Ten Bridge Communications
krystle@tenbridgecommunications.com

ABOUT MCEDC

The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) is the official public-private economic development organization representing Montgomery County, Maryland. Created in 2016, MCEDC is led by a Board of Directors of business executives. Its mission is to help businesses start, grow and relocate in Montgomery County by helping them gain access to top talent, business and market intelligence and prime locations. For more information, visit our website. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

ABOUT MARYLAND COMMERCE

The Maryland Department of Commerce stimulates private investment and creates jobs by attracting new businesses, encouraging the expansion and retention of existing companies, and providing financial assistance to Maryland companies. The Department promotes the State's many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development and international investment, trade and tourism. Because they are major economic generators, the Department also supports the Arts, film production, sports and other special events. For more information, visit commerce.maryland.gov.