FDB intends to create 300 new positions in Denmark by the end of 2023 to support the expanded biologics production operations
FDB starts the expansion project in Denmark. (Credit: FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies.)
Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies (FDB), a contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), has commenced the expansion of its large-scale cell culture facility in Denmark.
The expansion project is anticipated to double the existing bulk drug substance production capacity, by adding six of 20,000L bioreactors, bringing the total number of bioreactors to 12.
Along with bioreactors, the expansion also includes adding a fully automated, cutting-edge fill/finish capability to support large-scale production of up to 35 million units per annum.
Fujifilm Corporation senior executive vice president and Bio CDMO division general manager Takatoshi Ishikawa said: “It was a delight to celebrate the commencement of this very important expansion.
“Fujifilm has highlighted the CDMO business as a priority growth area, and is actively investing in technology to expand its manufacturing capacity to meet the growing demands of customers.
“Additionally, as Fujifilm’s largest investment in Europe for Bio CDMO business, this new facility represents our commitment to growing our Bio CDMO offering in the region to better serve our customers.”
FDB intends to create 300 new positions in Denmark by the end of 2023 to support the expanded biologics production operations.
Its parent organisation Fujifilm Corporation has initially announced the major capital investment of JPY100bn ($928m) in June 2020.
The investment also includes a new packaging line designed to assemble various types of auto-injectors and automatic labelling.
The new packaging line is anticipated to be operational in 2022, while the fill/finish production line is planned to be operational by mid-2023.
The large-scale cell bulk drug substance expansion is expected to be operational by the end of 2023, as the final step in the construction, said the company.
Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies Denmark chief operating officer Lars Petersen said: “The expansion will be transformative, significantly expanding our ability to support current and future partners, infusing sustainability efforts into future operations, and further strengthening our leadership in biologic drug substance manufacturing.
“We are excited to see the site grow and to welcome 300 new employees.”