Amicus Therapeutics cut the ribbon last week on a sparkling new global headquarters located on Hulfish Street in Princeton.

Founded by John Crowley in the early 2000s, Amicus is a global, patient-dedicated biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing and delivering high-quality medicines for people living with rare metabolic diseases.

Crowley launched the company after his children’s, Megan and Patrick, diagnosis with Pompe disease, a severe neuromuscular disorder. Determined to find a cure for the rare disease, he has worked tirelessly to bring hope to people living with rare diseases, their caregivers and their families worldwide.

Leaving his job at Bristol Myers Squibb, Crowley went all in. The entrepreneur was co-founder, president and CEO of Novazyme Pharmaceuticals, a biotech startup conducting research on a new experimental treatment for Pompe disease. He credits it for saving his children’s lives. The 2010 motion picture “Extraordinary Measures” featured the family’s journey on the big screen, starring Brendan Fraser, Harrison Ford and Keri Russell.

In 2001, Genzyme Corp. acquired Novazyme. After staying on for a bit and playing a lead role in the development of a drug to treat the disease, Crowley eventually launched Amicus in 2005 to reimagine the future of rare disease. He served as CEO of Amicus until 2022, leading the company from a small team that could fit in a coffee shop to a global organization with more than 500 employees in over 20 countries.

Amicus has two approved therapies for Fabry disease and Pompe disease, along with a portfolio of preclinical programs in rare disease.

Settling down

Crowley has since transitioned to the role of founder and chairman emeritus of Amicus. Bradley Campbell serves as the president and CEO of the organization.

In March, Crowley began leading the Biotechnology Innovation Organization. BIO is the world’s largest trade association representing biotech companies, academic institutions, state biotech centers, and related organizations nationwide and in more 30 other countries. The new role allows him to impact patients and their families/caregivers on an even larger scale.

The June 13 ribbon cutting marked a major next milestone for Amicus. The company was originally based in Cranbury and then, briefly, in Philadelphia – before selecting the Princeton as its global headquarters. There, the site will house more than 150 of its employees.

“This is a momentous occasion for us at Amicus,” said Campbell as he opened his remarks at the celebratory event. “It has been a journey – for sure, as it is in biotechnology. As we like to say, we fail a lot more often than we succeed. But today is a day of success and to celebrate our milestones and celebrate the future together.”

Campbell stressed that the mission is to make new medicines for people living with rare diseases and to have a major impact on their lives. He pointed to those two medicines, which are approved around the world.

“There are thousands of people now around the world that take one of our medicines to make their lives better,” said Campbell. “And that is a proud achievement, but it takes a lot of hard work – and it takes a lot of vision.”

Incubator graduate

As he got to set to introduce Gov. Phil Murphy, who was on-hand to deliver remarks, Campbell noted the positive relationship Amicus has had with the state. He highlighted the company’s founding and early days at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s NJ Bioscience Center, an incubator on Route 1 in North Brunswick. Earlier this week, in fact, the NJEDA released a report about the BCI’s impact, referencing Amicus as a successful graduate.

Campbell then reflected on Amicus’s journey from there to Cranford, Philly and now back home to the great Garden State.

“Gov. Murphy never gave up on us. He knew we would come to our senses – which we have,” said Campbell. “And now we’re here in this vibrant community. We have now reflagged our headquarters right here in Princeton, which is such an amazing and vibrant place. And I think it sort of echoes the energy, the passion, and the community that we are trying to achieve. We all here live with the mission to make a difference in the lives of people with rare diseases.”

Campbell stressed that Amicus also has a mission to give back to the community.

“And so, we have done our best to partner with organizations in Princeton and around New Jersey,” Campbell explained. “We very much look forward to partnering with you, Gov. Murphy, going forward. Biotechnology/pharma/health care is a critical part of not just our community – but of this economy and I think of the global economy. And we look forward to using this as a next chapter in our partnership together.”

Innovative example

Murphy recounted meeting Campbell and Crowley before he was governor. He spoke warmly about their leadership at Amicus as well as the efforts of the company’s entire team.

“To every single member of the Amicus team, you are extraordinary champions for the rare disease community,” said Murphy. “And we are so proud and honored that you have chosen the Garden State right here in Princeton – for your home.”

The governor said that Amicus’s work to pioneer groundbreaking new treatments for patients has helped advance New Jersey’s reputation as the “state of innovation.”

“A lot of stuff got invented here. But while it may be a rich and proud history, you guys at Amicus are proving that it is just as much our future,” said Murphy. “It continues to be the life’s work of a state of dreamers who know a better world is possible.”

To every single member of the Amicus team, you are extraordinary champions for the rare disease community.
– Gov. Phil Murphy

Murphy pointed to Crowley’s previous comments about biotechnology being a big word that simply means “hope” for patients.

“Amen – there’s no company that exemplifies that more than this one,” said Murphy.

Continuing to live the mission

In addition to the ribbon cutting, the event honored the Crowley family along with the presentation of special gifts by the Amicus team to its founder.

“Thanks to each of you for continuing to live the mission and to do it so passionately, so fiercely against these continued, incredible odds of building toward the vision that we’ve always had – from day one,” said Crowley, who also thanked his family for their support and for being on-hand at the ceremony.

Additionally, he applauded the design, collaboration and work done to make the sparkling facility a reality – emphasizing that it is reflective of the company’s culture.

“And that’s the last thing I’ll talk to you about – and that’s the culture at Amicus,” Crowley explained. “This building started with the culture. While a wonderful facility, you could probably put a lot of companies in here – maybe even a few who may envision it. But the way it’s laid out – the inclusiveness, the patient portraits, the glass in the CEO’s office. Every single part of it reflects the spirit and the culture of Amicus.”

Closing his remarks, Crowley spoke about the key aspects of Amicus – from the patient-centricity at its core to the team’s passion and persistence to get through the many challenges that a biotech company faces — and never, ever giving up.

“We set out to build – not a program or a molecule,” said Crowley. “We set out to build a company – something enduring and lasting. And for that, I will be forever thankful and forever proud.”