Fujifilm announced today that it invested $188 million to establish a cell culture media manufacturing facility in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
Tokyo-based Fujifilm said it plans for its Fujifilm Irvine Scientific subsidiary to operate the new site. The subsidiary offers the development and manufacturing of advanced cell culture solutions for life science research, bioproduction, cell therapy manufacturing, and medical applications.
According to a news release, the state-of-the-art, 250,000-square-foot facility stretches over 64 acres. It supports the manufacturing of animal component-free, dry powder and liquid media. This adds production capacity of 800,000 Kg/year for dry powder, 3,300,000 L/year for liquid, and 40,000 L/day of water for injection.
“Fujifilm’s intensive investment in the life sciences field represents our commitment to be the dedicated partner for customers in the biopharmaceutical industry,” said Teiichi Goto, president and CEO, representative director, Fujifilm. “With the enhanced capabilities of our global manufacturing sites for cell culture media, we will continuously contribute to customers’ robust manufacturing process and creation of innovative therapies to make the world a healthier place.”
The company scheduled development and construction to start in spring 2023. It expects operations to begin in 2025.
“Our customers require rapid, reliable delivery of cell culture media to support their commercial production,” said Yutaka Yamaguchi, chair and CEO, Fujifilm Irvine Scientific. “The cell culture media that will be manufactured at this new site in North Carolina will help ensure a steady supply of raw materials for biologics, cell and gene therapies, and other key medicines that are essential to human health. The additional production capacity will ensure we meet the projected demand for cell culture media from our customers worldwide.”