Novocell
Stem Cell Research

Project location:  Irvine, CA    

Year Completed: 2005

Project Description: Novocell, Inc. is involved in the research and development of minimally invasive, encapsulated cellular transplants for the treatment of diabetes.  Their goal is to turn stem cells into insulin-making cells that could be transplanted into people with Type-1 diabetes, replacing tissue damaged by that disease.  Novocell's technology is designed to improve the regulation of blood glucose while significantly decreasing or eliminating the need for insulin injections, hence delaying or preventing the medical complications often accompanying the disease.

LCS was Novocell, Inc.’s answer to an exceptional Phase III Stem Cell Research facility with a fast-track schedule.  With only a four month turnaround from design to completion, LCS completed a 6000 sq foot office, laboratory and manufacturing space with a four-thousand square foot Class 10,000 biomedical research clean room with mechanical systems capable of 70 room air changes per hour.  The facility also features epoxy coated walls and ceilings and welded sheet vinyl flooring. 

This facility processed human pancreatic islets encapsulated for implantation into diabetic recipients in a Phase I/II clinical trial. Key functions in Irvine include regulatory, quality systems, manufacturing, cell encapsulation, and biomaterials development. The project was completed on time and within budget.

Architect: Ware Malcolm

Key LCS Personnel:
Stephen Metzger – Project Manager
Randy Shaw - Superintendent