Locally based Cisterra Partners is expected to develop the office campus on behalf of the pharmaceutical company, which is developing anti-cancer treatments. The first phase of construction is expected to be completed in late 2003. "San Diego has proven to be one of the best locations in the United States for growing companies, especially in the biotech industry," says IDEC CFO Phil Schneider, who adds that the firm's staff is currently spread out in three separate buildings in the Torrey Pines Mesa area.

"A unified campus will provide the perfect environment for ongoing collaboration, achievement and development for our most valuable resource, our employees," Schneider says.

Meanwhile, planning for IDEC's future manufacturing and process development campus in Oceanside continues on schedule, Schneider says. Construction of the clinical manufacturing facility will begin in the first quarter of next year.