Delaware drug company signs 15-year lease

The old John Wanamaker site on Augustine Cut-Off in Wilmington is now the new home of biopharmaceutical company Incyte.

The drug company signed the papers to lease the 191,000 square foot facility today, committing to stay in Delaware for at least 15 years. Incyte currently employs 372 people at the DuPont Experimental Station campus off Del. 141. The company says moving will provide much-needed space for new hires as it expands. 

“Since choosing to open our labs in Delaware more than 10 years ago, Incyte has achieved many milestones, and we appreciate the ongoing encouragement of state officials, the technology-friendly environment and tremendous local talent,” stated Dr. Paul Friedman, Incyte’s president and CEO. “When we move into our new space, we will proudly remain a part of this vibrant community, and we look forward to continued growth.”

“The company’s growth from start-up to pharmaceutical industry leader in Delaware demonstrates how our state is a great place to start and grow a business, and a place to develop an idea into a game-changing company,” said Gov. Jack Markell, D-Del.

U.S. Sen. Tom Carper encouraged the company to locate in Delaware in 2001, and subsequently expand its operation here to begin drug research.

“I am thrilled that Incyte has decided to stay in Delaware and expand its operations here,” Sen. Carper. D-Del. said. “I have watched this company go from an idea, to receiving FDA approval for its drug Jakafi, to today’s announcement of its expansion. This is a great day for the Incyte team, and is a great example of growing your own.”

Jakafi is used for the treatment of a rare blood cancer, and is being developed as a potential treatment for other cancers.

Last December, the Delaware Economic Development Office awarded Incyte a $10,070,505 grant for retaining its then 294 jobs in Delaware and the creation of 269 new jobs over the next five years. DEDO says the company also was approved for a $1,050,000 capital expenditure grant.

“Keeping them here was crucial for us. Incyte is a Delaware company and we wanted that partnership and legacy to continue,” DEDO Director Alan Levin said. “The company provides jobs that pay well and can entice those who graduate from Delaware universities to stay in Delaware.”

“If we are going to create and sustain the middle-class jobs our state needs to thrive, it will be because innovative companies like Incyte choose to invest in Delaware. Incyte’s renewed commitment to our state is proof that by nurturing and supporting our local innovators, Delaware is and can continue to be a great home for the next generation of high-paying biotech, life science, and advanced manufacturing jobs,” U.S. Sen. Chris Coons said.