FUJIFILM Diosynth Triples Microbial Capacity at £100M Billingham Site

• FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies has opened a new microbial fermentation manufacturing facility in Billingham, tripling its existing production capacity.

• The £100 million facility supports the production of specialized ophthalmic therapeutics, particularly for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies has officially opened its expanded microbial fermentation manufacturing facility in Billingham, UK, following a £100 million investment. The new facility, which triples the company’s microbial production capacity, includes 2 X 4,000-litre fermenters, a primary separations suite, and a modular purification suite.

The expansion has been designed to support various new projects, including a partnership with a large pharmaceutical company focused on producing a specialized ophthalmic therapeutic for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD, a leading cause of vision loss in the UK, affects more than 700,000 people, with 39,800 patients developing ‘wet’ AMD each year.

Lars Petersen, President and CEO of FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, highlighted the company’s commitment to its partners, stating, “With the completion of this project, we are fulfilling our commitment with our partner, and supporting the commercialization of its ophthalmic therapeutic.” This expansion is part of the company’s “Partners for Life” strategy, which aims to enhance supply chain resilience and meet the evolving needs of its customers.

Science Minister Lord Vallance, who attended the opening, emphasized the potential impact of the new facility, saying, “The specialised therapeutics that will be made at Billingham, thanks to this investment, could eventually help thousands of people who suffer from wet age-related macular degeneration.”