Fujifilm opens new cell culture process development laboratories in UK

Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies has opened new and advanced 10,000ft² cell culture process development laboratories in Wilton Centre, Teesside, UK.

The company is a contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) that focuses on the development and production of recombinant biopharmaceuticals and advanced therapies.

The laboratories have been built using a JPY1bn ($9m) investment, which is part of the JPY14bn ($130m) expansion plan confirmed by Fujifilm in April this year.

Brampton Lord David Gifford Leathes Prior said that the new facility is expected to create new sustainable, high-tech job opportunities in the region.

Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies chief scientific officer Andy Topping said: "These laboratories are designed to incorporate the latest high-throughput technologies, including fully automated high throughput bioreactors and chromatography systems."

The new facilities have been designed specifically to support the Saturn mAb Platform cell culture process development activities.

The Saturn mAb Platform will provide the laboratories with rapid access to process development and manufacturing capacity.

Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies UK sites chief operating officer Paul Found said: "The Saturn process development laboratories are a huge differentiator in the cell culture and monoclonal antibody process development space.

"By dedicating these facilities and bringing new technologies we will be effectively supporting our customers in the rapid delivery of monoclonal antibody therapies to patients all over the world. This is part of our commitment as partners for life in the advancement of medicines."