Fujifilm reveals ‘little and large’ strategies for its CDMO business

In what it describes as a “customer-focused business structure,” CDMO Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies has established separate small- and large-scale biomanufacturing units.

The small-scale unit aims to support clients from preclinical all the way through the clinic until commercial production for biologics, cell and gene therapies, oncolytic viruses, and viral vaccines. The unit will leverage Fujifilm’s facilities in Teesside, UK, Triangle Park, North Carolina, College Station, Texas, Watertown, Massachusetts, and Thousand Oaks, California.

The Large-Scale unit, meanwhile, will center on Fujifilm’s sites in Hillerød, Denmark, and Holly Springs, North Carolina.

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Fujifilm acquired Hillerød from Biogen in 2019 for $890 million and has seen constant expansions. The latest example sees the firm augment the current 240,000 L of capacity through a $1.6 billion global capital expenditure project that will add another 8 x 20,000 L stainless-steel bioreactors by 2026.

The Holly Springs site, commissioned in 2021 at a cost of ¥200 billion ($1.4 billion), will boast 160,000 L (made up of eight 20,000 L stainless-steel tanks) – expandable to 640,00 L – and has a planned operation start date of Spring 2025.

“This SBU [Strategic Business Unit] model will create long-term value for our customers and allow us to cultivate mutually beneficial partnerships and maximize efficiencies across our network,” said Lars Petersen, CEO, Fujfilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, who took over from Martin Meeson in June.

“Our exceptional leadership and talented teams will play a key role in providing end-to-end support and driving continued success for our customers,” he continued, adding: “This new strategic business structure with the support of the Strategy & Executive Office reinforces our commitment to innovation, superior service and quality as we partner on the development of novel lifesaving treatments.”

No further comment was given when the company was contacted by this publication.