Abzena, a global partner research organization (PRO) specializing in the integrated development and manufacture of complex biologics and bioconjugates, has said that the location of its new GMP manufacturing facility will be Sanford, NC.
 
The significant expansion of Abzena’s capacity is driven by an increase in customer demand for commercial scale 2000L single use bioreactors across a wide range of therapeutic areas. Sanford will be Abzena’s sixth site in a global network providing integrated solutions and will be dedicated to cGMP manufacturing capacity for mammalian biologics. 
 
The new facility will cost over $200 million and will generate approximately 325 jobs in Sanford. The design of the facility has been optimized for phase 3 and commercial manufacturing of biologics. A phased approach to construction will initially allow four modular suites. Each suite will include up to two 2000L bioreactors. The initial phase will be followed by the addition of two further 2000L suites. Additionally, the site will be equipped to handle existing and new advances in manufacturing such as continuous manufacturing and perfusion. GMP manufacturing will commence in mid-2022. 
 
“We are delighted to announce the investment of our newest site in Sanford, NC,” said Jonathan Goldman, CEO, Abzena. “Our goal is to support our partners and the patients they serve with this expansion in cGMP biologics manufacturing services. We are pleased to provide integrated asset development with a full suite of in-house services from discovery through clinical and commercial phases without the need for technology transfer. We are very pleased to be welcomed by North Carolina.”
 
Kimball Hall, president and COO of Abzena, added, “North Carolina offers great resources for access to a talented workforce and other resources for us as we bring the new facility on-line. This will ensure we continue to offer our partners a site with advanced technologies and a world-class workforce. We are very appreciative for the entire team representing North Carolina for their partnership and Senator Tillis office during the decision process. We are looking forward to establishing Abzena as a new LifeSciences partner in North Carolina.”