Fujifilm Irvine Scientific, a provider of cell culture solutions for life science and medical companies, has announced the expansion of its Armstrong R&D centre at its headquarters in California. According to the company, this expansion marks “an ongoing commitment to the advancement of discovery research, bioproduction, cell and gene therapy, assisted reproductive technologies and cytogenetics”.
“With society’s increasing demand for global access to more high-quality, cost-effective vaccines, biopharmaceuticals, cell-based therapies, gene therapies, and in-vitro fertilisation procedures, the need for a broadened focus on innovation is pivotal to expedite critical product and technology development. The expansion project will more than double the R&D facility’s footprint and will allow for more enhanced technical collaboration between R&D experts and customers to develop personalised solutions and enhance partnership opportunities,” said Bob Newman, CSO, Fujifilm Irvine Scientific.
With sales growth in the past year, and additional manufacturing capabilities in Europe, the expansion is reportedly essential to the success of the programs and initiatives the company offers, including manufacturing sciences and technologies (MSAT), single-use technology development, and automation platforms for media development. The expanded footprint will also include dedicated space for analytical chemistry, virology, assisted reproductive technology (ART), and additional cell culture and molecular-based assay development, projecting a doubling of growth in R&D headcount by the close of 2022.