Fujifilm Irvine Scientific, a provider of cell culture solutions for life science and medical markets, is expanding its Armstrong R&D Center of Excellence at its headquarters in California. This expansion marks an ongoing commitment to the advancement of discovery research, bioproduction, cell and gene therapy, assisted reproductive technologies and cytogenetics in its Life Sciences and Medical Media divisions. Leveraging a deep understanding of cell biology and cell culture solutions, Fujifilm Irvine Scientific continues to expand its diverse offering of specialty media, technologies, and custom media services.
 
“With society’s increasing demand for global access to more high-quality, cost-effective vaccines, biopharmaceuticals, cell-based therapies, gene therapies, and in-vitro fertilization procedures, the need for a broadened focus on innovation is pivotal to expedite critical product and technology development,” said Bob Newman, chief scientific officer, Fujifilm Irvine Scientific. “The expansion project will more than double the R&D facility’s footprint and will allow for more enhanced technical collaboration between R&D experts and customers to develop personalized solutions and enhance partnership opportunities.”
 
With significant sales growth in the past year, and new manufacturing capabilities in Europe, this expansion will be essential to the success of new programs and initiatives Fujifilm Irvine Scientific offers, including Manufacturing Sciences and Technologies (MSAT), Single-Use technology development, and automation platforms for media development. The expanded footprint will also include dedicated space for analytical chemistry, virology, Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), and additional cell culture and molecular-based assay development, increasing employment opportunities and projecting a doubling of growth in R&D headcount by the close of 2022.
 
The construction began in October and is planned for completion by January, 2022.