Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, a biologics contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), has unveiled plans to reserve manufacturing capacity for a future COVID-19 therapy for the COVID-19 Therapeutics Accelerator. The Therapeutics Accelerator is an initiative launched by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Wellcome, and Mastercard to speed-up the response to the global pandemic.
 
Currently, there are no established therapies for the treatment of COVID-19. To help address the global crisis, the Therapeutics Accelerator is working to accelerate drug development and will identify a promising COVID-19 therapeutic candidate based on efficacy and safety data demonstrated in clinical trials.
 
With the ultimate goal of providing access to effective treatment options, this agreement will allocate manufacturing capacity in Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies’ large-scale biologics production facility in Hillerød, Denmark. The company will work with a selected pharmaceutical partner in supporting the swift manufacture and dedicated supply for patients with COVID-19 in lower-income countries. Under the agreement, production volumes are secured for 2021 with options for a number of years thereafter.
 
“COVID-19 has had a profound impact on the global community. With the goal of enhancing society through innovation, Fujifilm Corporation and the various Fujifilm businesses globally are committed to support the fight against COVID-19,” said Martin Meeson, chief executive officer, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies. “We are honored that Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies is able to use its resources to support COVID-19 Therapeutics Accelerator partners in their mission to improve health.”
 
Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies’ Hillerød cGMP facility is equipped with 6 x 20,000L bioreactors for the manufacture of cell culture derived biologics for clinical and commercial use.  The agreement also anticipates that Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies will support drug product and assembly, label and packaging requirements.
 
“Humanity is facing one of its most challenging times in recent history. Resolution calls for a global effort in collaboration between public, private and charitable entities,” said Andy Fenny, chief business officer, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies. “This partnership allows Fujifilm to deploy its leading technical expertise and significant production capacity to have a meaningful impact in the fight against this pandemic.”