HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — Glaukos Corp., a global leader in ophthalmic pharmaceuticals and medical technologies, kicked off a project to open a new, state-of-the-art research, development and manufacturing facility in Huntsville.
The project, located on 25 acres Cummings Research Park, will feature a 200,000-square-foot advanced facility dedicated to developing novel therapies for glaucoma, corneal disorders and retinal diseases.
California-based Glaukos said it plans to invest over $80 million in the multi-year effort, which is expected to create more than 150 full-time jobs. The company also holds an option for future expansion on 15 additional acres.
“After evaluating over 100 potential sites worldwide, we ultimately chose Huntsville for its strong talent base and vibrant business climate,” said Thomas Burns, Glaukos Chairman and CEO.
“We appreciate our new partnership with the City of Huntsville and look forward to the ophthalmic innovations that will emerge from this strategic expansion as we continue advancing our mission to transform vision therapies for patients living with chronic eye diseases,” he added.
Dynamic sector
Glaukos’ decision to expand in Alabama further strengthens the state’s position as a hub for life sciences, advanced manufacturing and cutting-edge research.
Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, praised the company’s investment project in Huntsville.
“Glaukos is exactly the kind of visionary company we want growing in Alabama. Their investment in Huntsville is a powerful endorsement of our state’s skilled workforce, world-class research assets and pro-business environment,” Secretary McNair said.
“This project also reflects the strength of our comprehensive economic development strategic plan ‘Catalyst’ — one focused on innovation, execution and long-term impact.”
Glaukos expects to complete construction on the new facility by 2030, with hiring and operations scaling up in tandem.
“Glaukos’ investment is a clear signal that our state is not only competing, but winning, in attracting cutting-edge biotech and health innovation,” said Alex Cate, a Senior Project Manager at the Alabama Department of Commerce who specializes in the biosciences sector.
Supporting discovery
The company’s Sept. 25 groundbreaking ceremony drew a crowd of local, state and federal leaders, including U.S. Reps. Dale Strong and Robert Aderholt, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and other regional stakeholders.
“What starts here in Huntsville will ultimately help patients around the world experience a brighter future,” Rep. Strong said.
Mayor Battle added: “For decades, Huntsville has worked to build an environment where science, technology and advanced manufacturing thrive together in a community that knows how to support discovery. Glaukos’ decision to grow here builds on that foundation, showing how our community’s strengths attract companies that are shaping the future of human health around the world.”
Commerce’s Cate said the Glaukos project reinforces Alabama’s status as a rapidly emerging powerhouse in bioscience, making significant strides in drug discovery, genomic medicine, medical device development, research, innovation and commercialization.
Home to a robust ecosystem of world-class research institutions, cutting-edge biotech companies and a skilled workforce, Alabama offers a fertile ground for growth and development in this dynamic sector, he added.
