Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies a biologics CDMO, has celebrated the opening of its microbial fermentation facility.
The site in Billingham, UK triples the company's existing microbial production throughput, and includes a novel production line equipped with two 4000 L fermenters.
It also has a primary separations suite and a modular purification suite.
Fujifilm has also anticipated the facility's further expansion, with extension opportunities feasible on-site if required.
The expansion was also customised to allow the company to support a large pharmaceutical partner with an ophthalmic medicine for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
President and CEO of FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Lars Petersen, commented: “With the completion of this project, we are fulfilling our commitment with our partner, and supporting the commercialisation of its ophthalmic therapeutic,” said Petersen. “This is a prime example of our partnership-based business model, a key element in our Partners for Life strategy, to help our customers bring their life-impacting medicines to patients.”
“Sight loss is devastating for the quality of life, and the confidence, of those who suffer from it. The specialised therapeutics that will be made at Billingham, thanks to this investment, could eventually help thousands of people who suffer from wet age-related macular degeneration,” said Science Minister, Lord Vallance.
“This news is also proof of the economic value of our life sciences clusters – pulling investment into places like Teesside, and building on the world-class expertise that is already in the area.”