Having established a manufacturing site in Chiba, Japan, AGC Biologics is expanding its presence in the country by announcing the construction of a new facility in Yokohama. The Seattle-based Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) has revealed plans for a four-story complex spanning 20,000 square meters (215,000 square feet), slated to be operational in 2026. This facility will provide support for preclinical to commercial production of mammalian-based protein biologics, cell therapies, and messenger RNA therapies, as outlined by AGC.
The funding for this endeavour, totalling 50 billion Japanese yen ($350 million), is being facilitated by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). This project aligns with the country’s initiative to strengthen its vaccine production capabilities.
Patricio Massera, CEO of AGC Biologics, expressed the rationale behind this investment, citing the heightened demand in the region for reputable partners with a track record in clinical and commercial biopharmaceutical manufacturing. The goal is to provide developers with the necessary services and reinforce the global CDMO network.
Notably, AGC remains the sole global manufacturer in Japan with both mammalian and microbial production capabilities, situated just an hour away in a circular trip around Tokyo Bay in Chiba, according to the company.
About AGC Biologics
AGC Biologics operates as a global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) with its headquarters in Seattle, Washington, USA. The company is dedicated to providing pharmaceutical development and manufacturing services specifically for protein-based biologics, as well as cell and gene therapies. With a presence in seven facilities and teams of scientists spread across three continents, AGC Biologics possesses the necessary resources and available capacity to expedite the journey to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). Whether it’s from the developmental phase to clinical trials or full-scale commercialization, the company offers assistance at various stages of the drug development and manufacturing process.
Source: https://www.agcbio.com/news/agc-biologics-announces-plans-for-new-manufacturing-site-in-yokohama
