AGC Biologics selects Cytiva to provide FlexFactory platforms in new biomanufacturing facility in Japan
April 18, 2024
AGC Biologics, in collaboration with the global life sciences leader Cytiva, is set to innovate its production line at its new facility in Yokohama, Japan with two FlexFactory manufacturing platforms.
Situated in a globally accessible area within the Asia Pacific region, the new manufacturing site is expected to significantly contribute to the needs of regional and global developers seeking biopharmaceutical development and manufacturing capabilities, in addition to further maximizing operational and supply chain efficiencies across AGC Biologics' global network.
By leveraging this industry-leading technology from Cytiva, the new AGC Biologics Yokohama facility will offer a flexible and fully integrated system with single-use technology that can be adapted to meet developers’ needs of a product at any stage.
Patricio Massera, CEO, AGC Biologics, says: “As a CDMO, technology plays an important role in helping us serve pharmaceutical developers worldwide. With Cytiva’s proven systems, tools and expertise, we can maximize our operational and supply chain efficiencies and standardize the technology transfer process at our new Yokohama site.”
The Cytiva technology will play an integral role in AGC Biologics critical install base for helping pharmaceutical partners develop and manufacture messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines and drug substances, as well as monoclonal antibody (mAb) products, from early phase clinical development through the commercial stage.
In addition, Cytiva will contribute to the Yokohama facility’s cell therapy development and manufacturing services by supplying major equipment such as Xuri, Sepax C-Pro, VIA Freeze Duo, VIA Freeze Quad and VIA Thaw L1000.
Ludovic Brellier, President of Biotechnology Integrated Services and Business Operations, Cytiva, says: “Flexibility and the ease to scale up and out quickly, is key to any provider of therapies. Cytiva provides that through our standardized design, process workflows, and integrated automated solutions. For AGC Biologics, we are tailoring to the site’s particular needs to speed up development and shorten time to clinic.”
The two FlexFactory platforms will support the AGC Biologics Yokohama facility’s monoclonal antibodies and mRNA production, including multiple 2000 L single-use bioreactors. The facility is expected to be fully operational in 2026, with its cell therapy services beginning in 2025.
Read more about the FlexFactory solution here.
Cytiva, the Drop logo, FlexFactory, Xuri, Sepax C-Pro, VIA Freeze Duo, VIA Freeze Quad and VIA Thaw L1000 are trademarks of Global Life Sciences Solutions USA LLC or an affiliate doing business as Cytiva. DeltaV is a trademark of Emerson Process Management.
About Cytiva
At Cytiva, our mission is to advance and accelerate the development of therapeutics. With nearly 15 000 associates in more than 40 countries, we’re driven to use our expertise and talent to achieve better flexibility, capacity, and efficiency for our customers. Our broad and deep portfolio of tools and technologies, global scale, and best-in-class service provides critical support from discovery to delivery, for customers spanning researchers, emerging biotech, large-scale biopharma and contract manufacturers.
Media contact:
Tania Kimball
[email protected]
About AGC Biologics
AGC Biologics is a leading global biopharmaceutical Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) with a strong commitment to delivering the highest standard of service as we work side-by-side with our clients and partners, every step of the way. We provide world-class development and manufacture of mammalian and microbial-based therapeutic proteins, plasmid DNA (pDNA), messenger RNA (mRNA), viral vectors, and genetically engineered cells. Our global network spans the U.S., Europe, and Asia, with cGMP-compliant facilities in Seattle, Washington; Boulder and Longmont, Colorado; Copenhagen, Denmark; Heidelberg, Germany; Milan, Italy; and Chiba, Japan. We currently employ more than 2,500 employees worldwide. Our commitment to continuous innovation fosters the technical creativity to solve our clients’ most complex challenges, including specialization in fast-track projects and rare diseases. AGC Biologics is the partner of choice. To learn more, visit www.agcbio.com.
Media contact:
Nick McDonald
[email protected]