Bayer’s new global manufacturing site in California will rely on Cytiva’s FlexFactory platform.
At a groundbreaking event at the Berkeley, California site, Bayer announced its intention to manufacture biologic therapies for multiple patient populations. Fluor, an engineering and construction company, is providing a single point of responsibility for engineering, procurement, construction management and commissioning, qualification and validation of the facility, while Cytiva will provide specifications and design for the Processing Suite. Cytiva is providing Bayer with the FlexFactory and it will feature Cytiva’s Figurate automation, a digitally-equipped platform that will enhance and accelerate biomanufacturing across their global sites. As part of this platform, the site will house two 2 000 liter single-use XDR bioreactors and a purification train, with room to expand to a further two 2 000 liter single-use bioreactors and supporting equipment.
“We’re pleased to be partnering with Cytiva on the Cell Culture Technology Center, which will combine automation, digital capabilities and single use bioprocessing technologies to streamline production processes — in order to bring new medicines to patients faster,” said Judy Chou, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Global Head of Bayer Biotech.
This becomes the 63rd FlexFactory solution provided by Cytiva globally. Emmanuel Ligner, CEO of Cytiva, said: “This FlexFactory will stand as a symbol of California’s ability to attract innovators from and for the world and support Bayer’s expansion into oncology and other therapeutic areas. It is also an indicator of the industry’s increasing demand for digital solutions. We’re thrilled to work with Bayer and support their move toward digitizing manufacturing of biologics.”
The California site is expected to be complete in 2021.