The City of Huntsville has approved a development agreement with Glaukos Corporation, an international ophthalmic pharmaceutical and medical technology firm. The agreement paves the way for Glaukos to build a multimillion-dollar research, development, and manufacturing facility within Cummings Research Park (CRP).
This multi-year project represents a significant capital expenditure of $82 million and is anticipated to generate 154 full-time job opportunities in the area by the year 2030. The new facility will be constructed on a 25-acre plot situated at the intersection of Mark Smith Drive and Explorer Boulevard, adjacent to the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, with an option to acquire an additional 15 acres for future expansion.
Glaukos specializes in developing and commercializing innovative therapies for the treatment of glaucoma, corneal disorders, and retinal diseases. Their mission centers on transforming vision by pioneering novel, dropless platforms designed to advance the standard of care and improve outcomes for patients facing sight-threatening chronic eye conditions.
The company’s headquarters are located in Aliso Viejo, California, with additional locations in San Clemente and Burlington, Massachusetts, as well as several regional offices internationally.
“In planning our next expansion phase, Glaukos evaluated over 100 municipalities and we are pleased to choose Huntsville,” said Matt Young, SVP Operations, Glaukos. “The City of Huntsville has a highly educated and skilled workforce and a stable and diversified economy in a business-friendly environment. Huntsville has recently and consistently ranked highly in surveys of the best places to live in the U.S. As a leader in designing and delivering novel ophthalmic products, Glaukos believes a location in the Cummings Research Park aligns with our strong innovation values.”
The arrival of Glaukos to the Huntsville biotech scene further solidifies the region’s prominent role in producing groundbreaking discoveries and medical products that are reshaping the world.
For almost two decades, Huntsville has actively worked to bolster its biotech sector by capitalizing on its advantages in related industries. With Glaukos deciding to establish its facility close to HudsonAlpha, which is recognized around the world for its work in advancing human health, Huntsville and CRP are poised for future growth in biotechnology.
The Glaukos site selection team highlighted the community’s scientific and technological strengths as a key factor in their decision. However, they also noted that Huntsville’s collaborative environment and high quality of life were decisive factors.
“Glaukos’ investment in Huntsville speaks to our continued success in being a community of choice for biotech research and manufacturing,” stated Mayor Tommy Battle. “CRP offers the desired environment for companies that want to capitalize on our assets and achieve long-term success in advancing medical solutions for society.”
Chairman Mac McCutcheon of the Madison County Commission added, “The Madison County Commission is proud to welcome Glaukos to Cummings Research Park. The strong partnerships among the City, County, CRP, HudsonAlpha, and the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber encourage companies such as Glaukos to locate here and thrive in our community.”
HudsonAlpha’s research institute, along with its network of over 50 associated companies, utilizes genomic research and development to improve human health as well as plant and agricultural sustainability through research, testing, manufacturing, and educational initiatives.
“We welcome Glaukos to the HudsonAlpha ecosystem, to Cummings Research Park, to Huntsville, and to Alabama,” said Neil Lamb, President of HudsonAlpha. “We’re excited to have Glaukos in our community and are thankful to have wonderful partners in the City of Huntsville and the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber on this project.”
Cummings Research Park (CRP), the second-largest research park in the United States and fourth-largest globally, is home to more than 300 companies, employing over 25,000 people and supporting 12,500 students.
“CRP is truly one of the world’s leading science and technology parks, where companies come to be successful because of the businesses, collaboration, and ultimately, because we thrive in Huntsville. We welcome Glaukos as they join Huntsville’s mix of local and international high-tech enterprises,” said Erin Koshut, the Park’s Executive Director.
Site preparation for the Glaukos facility is scheduled to commence next year.
