Earlier this week, we told you about Dendreon's plans to spend $50 million to upgrade its New Jersey manufacturing and lab facility. Well, the Seattle biotechnology company -- which is on the verge of commercializing its prostate cancer treatment, Provenge -- also has some ambitious expansion plans for its hometown.

Our sister publication, the Puget Sound Business Journal, reports that the company is looking to double the size of its downtown Seattle headquarters as well as obtain about 250,000 square feet of lab space along the Seattle waterfront or in the South Lake Union Neighborhood.

Reporter Jeanne Lang Jones notes that the expansion comes at a good time for Seattle's struggling life sciences sector, which has been shedding jobs as companies such as Targeted Genetics, Northstar Neurosciences and ZymoGenetics reduce staff.

The company -- with offices at 3005 First Ave. and 3101 Western Ave. -- said it could move its headquarters in a few months if it finds the right space.

As of last March, Dendreon employed 198 workers. But the company -- which raised $221 million last month -- has been on a hiring spree. Its Web site now lists more than 80 jobs openings in Seattle and New Jersey.

Ever since Amgen gobbled up Immunex for $16 billion in 2001, Seattle has lacked a real heavyweight biotech company.

Could Dendreon be that break out company that helps put the region on the map?