Biologics biotech Regeneron Pharmaceuticals has expanded its biomanufacturing capabilities through a deal with CDMO Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies.
Through the USD $3bn agreement, Regeneron will nearly double its biologics manufacturing capacity via access to services at Fujifilm's new Holly Springs, North Carolina biopharmaceutical facility — which is set to become operational later this year.
This follows the Trump Administration's threats to end pharmaceutical tariff exemptions — which has prompted many big pharma names such as Johnson & Johnson, Novartis and Eli Lilly to invest billions into US R&D and manufacturing.
The ten year deal will further enhance the company's large-scale biologics production capacity, with Regeneron using Fujifilm's facilities to manufacture drug products at a commercial scale.
Further expansion in the pipeline
On top of Regeneron's deal with Fujifilm, the company plans to expand its operations within the US; specifically in the New York state.
"Our Tarrytown campus is currently undergoing a $3.6bn expansion, which — when complete — will create 1,000 highly skilled jobs, while expanding research, preclinical manufacturing and support facilities," notes Leonard Schleifer, President and CEO of Regeneron.
"We are also constructing a brand new fill-finish manufacturing facility in Rensselaer, New York, on top of the 1,000,000 sqft property in Saratoga Springs for production support; though we may use this space to add manufacturing capacity in the future," he adds.
According to Regeneron, the company has always placed a key focus on the US market:
"More than 80% of our workforce and assets are currently in the US, and all of our FDA-approved medicines were invented within the walls of our New York laboratories," states Schleifer.
"Our commercial and clinical pipeline is filled with important new medicines, driving the need for even more manufacturing capacity to keep up with demand. We are meeting this through increased investment in New York and North Carolina, which will generate economic growth and high-paying jobs for the American people."
Regeneron are currently working with Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies to bring capacity online at the Holly Springs facility.
“Partnering with Regeneron will bring together our teams, who have a shared vision to make transformative medicine accessible to patients," says CEO and President of Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, Lars Petersen.
"We are honoured that Regeneron has confidence in our ability to deliver capacity faster, ensuring continuity of supply for patients in need during times of supply chain insecurity," he concludes.