Pioneering a global modular network for facility design and drug production
HILLERØD, DENMARK, November 6, 2024 -- FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, a world-leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) for biologics, vaccines, advanced therapies, and oncolytic viruses, proudly announces that the first phase of its expansion at the Hillerød site is ready to bring the new production capacity into operation.
This milestone marks the initial step in the company’s strategy to build a comprehensive global ecosystem dedicated to enhancing the production and delivery of life-saving medicines.
This first phase adds six mammalian cell bioreactors, bringing the total capacity at the Hillerød site to 12 x 20,000 L bioreactors. A previously announced major capital investment will support the next phase, which will include an additional 8 x 20,000 L bioreactors and two downstream processing streams. By mid-2025, fill/finish production is scheduled to commence, with full expansion expected to be in operation by 2026, increasing the site footprint to approximately 51,500m2 and creating up to 2,200 jobs.
“Our operations in Hillerød represent our commitment to being the world-leading partner for life – supporting our customers and their patients globally,” said Christian Houborg, site head and senior vice president of FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies. “This expansion is a testament to our vision for introducing robust capabilities into the global biopharma landscape, ensuring the timely delivery of critical therapies to those in need.”
Since 2011, FUJIFILM Corporation has invested over $8 billion USD to establish a formidable global network for biologics manufacturing. This includes strategically located modular facilities designed to provide the agility needed for rapid production scaling. In 2025, operations will begin at the first phase of FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies’ large-scale facility in Holly Springs, North Carolina, further reinforcing the Company’s commitment to building its transformative ecosystem.
In brief
FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies says the first phase of its Hillerød, Denmark, expansion is ready to bring new production capacity online. The phase adds six mammalian cell bioreactors, bringing the site’s total to 12 with a capacity of 20,000 L each. The next stage is planned to add eight more bioreactors and two downstream processing streams. Fill/finish production is scheduled to start by mid-2025, while the full expansion is expected to operate by 2026. The company says the completed project would bring the site to approximately 51,500 square meters and create up to 2,200 jobs. The expansion is part of a wider network strategy; the company also says the Hillerød site will use renewable electricity under a ten-year power purchase agreement.
Key takeaways
- The first expansion phase at Hillerød is ready to bring six mammalian cell bioreactors into operation.
- The site will have 12 bioreactors, each with a capacity of 20,000 L, after the first phase.
- A later phase is planned to add eight bioreactors and two downstream processing streams.
- Fill/finish production is scheduled to begin by mid-2025; full expansion is expected by 2026.
- The company says the site’s power purchase agreement covers renewable electricity for ten years.
“The Hillerød facility is the first expansion in our global network, which will include further developments in the US, UK, and Japan,” said Lars Petersen, president and chief executive officer, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies. “By investing in state-of-the-art facilities on both sides of the Atlantic and prioritizing our workforce, we are uniquely positioned to meet the evolving needs of our partners and the patients they serve.”
This expansion also aligns with the Company’s sustainability initiative, Partners for the Planet, which incorporates sustainable practices across all facilities. The Hillerød site has signed a ten-year Power Purchase Agreement*1 to source all electricity from renewable sources, contributing to its silver certification from the globally recognized EcoVadis standard.
“This is just the beginning. With our Partners for Life strategy, we are dedicated to fulfilling our promises and ensuring that our global network supports the production of the life-impacting medicines that make patients’ lives better,” Lars Petersen concluded.
- *1 A Power Purchase Agreement is a long term contract between a electricity generator (the seller) and an electricity consumer (the buyer, normally a corporate or a utility) for the production and offtake of electricity. The generator constructs, operates and maintains the physical energy asset and the customer consumes and pays for the electricity delivered. PPA’s are commonly used in relation to the construction of new renewable energy assets, which are often located outside the consumers premises and delivered via the public electricity grid.
Contact
Media Contact
Andy Ross
FUJIFILM Europe GmbH
E-mail：[email protected]
+44-0-7766-497949
Christine Jackman
FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation
E-mail：[email protected]
914-261-4959
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Questions around this news
What capacity is being added at the Hillerød site?
The first expansion phase adds six mammalian cell bioreactors, bringing the site’s stated total to 12 bioreactors, each with a capacity of 20,000 liters. The next phase is planned to add eight more bioreactors of the same capacity and two downstream processing streams.
When are the Hillerød expansion phases expected to be operational?
The first phase is ready to bring its new production capacity into operation. Fill/finish production is scheduled to start by mid-2025, and the full expansion is expected to be operating by 2026, according to the release.
What does a contract development and manufacturing organization do?
A contract development and manufacturing organization, or CDMO, provides services to companies developing medicines. Depending on its capabilities and the project, it may help develop production processes, manufacture drug substances or products, and support steps needed to prepare medicines for distribution.
What is a Power Purchase Agreement?
A Power Purchase Agreement is a contract under which an electricity buyer agrees to purchase power from a generator under specified terms. Such agreements can support the development and operation of energy projects, including renewable generation, while setting out how electricity will be supplied and paid for.
