FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, a CDMO for biologics, viral vaccines, and viral vectors, held a virtual ceremony to celebrate the start initiation of its large-scale cell culture expansion project at its Hillerød, Denmark site. The major capital investment of 100 billion yen ($928 million) from FUJIFILM Corporation was previously announced in June 2020.
The expansion will double the existing bulk drug substance production capacity with the addition of 6 x 20,000L bioreactors, bringing the total to 12 x 20,000-liter bioreactors. The new construction will also include a fully automated, fill/finish capability to support large-scale production of up to approximately 35 million units per annum. To support the expanded operations, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies will add 300 positions in Denmark by the end of 2023.
The expansion investment also includes a new packaging line designed to assemble multiple types of auto-injectors and automatic labeling, which will be operational in spring 2022. The fill/finish production line and the large-scale cell bulk drug substance expansion are expected to be operational by summer 2023 and the end of 2023, respectively.
“Fujifilm has highlighted the CDMO business as a priority growth area, and is actively investing in technology to expand its manufacturing capacity to meet the growing demands of customers,” said Takatoshi Ishikawa, senior executive vice president, general manager of Bio CDMO Division, FUJIFILM Corporation. “Additionally, as Fujifilm’s largest investment in Europe for Bio CDMO business, this new facility represents our commitment to growing our Bio CDMO offering in the region to better serve our customers.”
“The expansion will be transformative, significantly expanding our ability to support current and future partners, infusing sustainability efforts into future operations, and further strengthening our leadership in biologic drug substance manufacturing,” added said Lars Petersen, COO and senior vice president, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies Denmark.
