Fujifilm will make a significant capital investment of approximately 100 billion yen (US $ 928 million) in the Denmark site of Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, a leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) for biologics and advanced therapies. The capital investment will double the Denmark site’s current drug substance manufacturing capacity. It will expand its capabilities to include fill or finish, and enhance its current assembly, labeling, and packaging services.
The investment in Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies (Denmark) will expand production lines for bulk drug substance with the addition of a further six mammalian cell bioreactors, bringing the total to 12 x 20,000-liter bioreactors by fall 2023, making the Denmark facility one of the few major large-scale manufacturing facilities in the bio-CDMO industry. The development will also include the addition of the Denmark site’s first fill or finish production line (added by summer 2023). It features a fully-automated, cutting-edge system capable of producing up to approximately 35 million units per annum to cater to large-scale production. In spring 2022, a new packaging line equipped with facilities to assemble multiple auto-injectors and automatic labeling will be added to meet a broad range of customer needs.
“Our culture of innovation and reputation of manufacturing excellence ensures our rapid growth to serve the healthcare community better,” said Takatoshi Ishikawa, executive vice president, general manager of bio-CDMO division, Fujifilm. “Since the acquisition of the Denmark site last year, the facility’s strong manufacturing track-record, coupled with Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies’ technologies enabling a stable supply of high-quality biopharmaceuticals, has led to new orders not only from existing clients but also new clients, contributing to our rapid business expansion.”
In August 2019, Fujifilm invested approximately 98 billion yen (US $ 890 million) to acquire Biogen’s manufacturing subsidiary in Denmark, for its world-class cGMP capabilities and experienced talent.
According to the press release, the advanced capabilities at the Denmark site has led to promising collaborations including the recent announcement of future manufacturing capacity reservation by the Covid-19 Therapeutics Accelerator, an initiative launched by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Wellcome, and Mastercard to speed-up the response to the global pandemic.
“With the addition of world-class assets enabling us to scale production volumes to fit both small and large batches, the capital infusion allows us to deliver on our promise to support our partners from pre-clinical to commercialization,” said Martin Meeson, chief executive officer, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies. “Moreover, we can support our partners in manufacturing lifesaving therapies to patients around the world.”
Fujifilm aims to achieve 100 billion yen in sales in its bio-CDMO business by fiscal year ending March 2022, and exceed 200 billion yen in sales by the fiscal year ending March 2026, while maintaining its commitment to support the delivery of wide variety of therapies and advancing healthcare.
