Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies (FDB) commissioned a new mammalian cGMP cell banking facility (CBF) at its Billingham, U.K. site. Clients can contract with the new CBF either as part of a larger development and manufacturing program, or as a stand-alone service. The CBF forms the second stage of a major expansion of the company’s mammalian cell culture capabilities at the site, following installation last year of new process development and scale-up capabilities. The asset will support delivery of manufacturing programs for both FDB’s Billingham and Research Triangle Park, NC, facilities.

The next stage of the company’s expansion will be the commissioning of a new cGMP manufacturing facility, also in Billingham, which is under construction and due on-line in early Q4 2013. This manufacturing facility, which will primarily utilize single-use technologies, has been designed with input from regulatory authorities and key customers to offer flexibility for meeting customers’ needs. It will initially offer 200 L and 1000 L single-use bioreactors, with 2000 L bioreactors already planned for 2014.

“I am delighted that we have commissioned the cell bank facility within a year of its commencement, and have already started work on our first customer program,” said Steve Bagshaw, managing director, FDB U.K., “This is the next step in our strategy to grow our services in the CDMO field, becoming a world-class player across both microbial and mammalian cell culture platforms, offering a full life cycle support for our customers.”

BCC Research notes that the global pharmaceutical contract manufacturing and contract research organizations revenue reached $196.5 billion in 2010, and is projected to reach $360.6 billion by 2016, increasing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.6%.

Previous articleTug of War Continues: Elan vs. Royalty
Next articleFusionVax Snags Exclusive Rights to HPV Drug in Asia