AGC Biologics has announced a strategic decision about the large-scale single-use technology it will use at its new Yokohama, Japan facility. The CDMO is introducing two 5,000 L Thermo Scientific DynaDrive Single-Use Bioreactors (SUB), which makes the site one of the most advanced in Japan for large-scale mammalian-based biologics production, with GMP operations beginning in 2027.
According to 2024 data from BDO Group's bioTRAK Database, single-use technology represents 51 percent of all mammalian bioreactor technology globally, outpacing the traditional stainless-steel alternative.
"The new Yokohama site is designed to utilise single-use bioreactors to offer large-scale GMP manufacturing. The cutting-edge technology from Thermo Scientific makes this one of the most advanced sites in Japan for large-scale manufacturing and further expands our robust global network of single-use manufacturing sites on three continents," said Christoph Winterhalter, Chief Business Officer, AGC Biologics. "This location offers the capabilities to meet the commercial needs of customers in Japan and Asia, as well as global customers seeking capacity using the latest technology."
The new AGC Biologics Yokohama facility will offer support from initial process development work for early-phase projects to late-phase and commercial production. It will support mammalian expression, cell therapy, and messenger RNA (mRNA) drug products.
The Yokohama facility is expected to help maximise operational and supply chain efficiencies across AGC Biologics' global network by adding another site in the region. The CDMO currently operates one site in Japan, its Chiba facility, offering mammalian expression and microbial fermentation services.
