Pfizer opens $200m clinical manufacturing plant in MA

The multiproduct facility will support early-phase manufacturing for its biologics pipeline, Pfizer says.

Last week, pharma giant Pfizer cut the ribbon on the latest addition to its biomanufacturing network in Andover, Massachusetts.

The Andover Clinical Manufacturing Facility (ACMF) represents an investment of $200 million (€178 million), which includes construction, additional processing equipment and qualification, according to Pfizer spokesperson Samantha Reardon.

Pfizer’s site in Andover, MA. Image: GoogleStreetview

“The multi-product facility is designed to deliver early phase clinical supplies for Pfizer’s extensive biological portfolio,” she told Bioprocess Insider. The firm boasts over 50 biologic and vaccine candidates in its pipeline.

“The facility provides a greater than 20% increase in capacity over the company’s current clinical facility.”

The plant has a modular and flexible design and houses five “discreet” production lines at 1,000 and 2,000 liter volumes, she added. It uses a mixture of single-use and stainless steel bioreactors.

Approximately 75 new jobs have ben created at Pfizer’s Andover campus, which also comprises of seven other buildings housing laboratories, clinical and commercial manufacturing suites, and support areas.

While Reardon said ACMF expands upon Pfizer’s internal biomanufacturing capabilities, it will not replace the use of contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs).

“We will continue to utilize strategic clinical manufacturing partners as dictated by the specific demands of our portfolio.”