Sandoz , the global leader in affordable medicines, announces plans to build a new biosimilar drug substance facility in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
The investment of around USD 300 million in disposable fed-batch (DFB) technology will expand in-house manufacturing capacity and further strengthen the Company’s Europe-based end-to-end biosimilar development, manufacturing and supply network. It represents a key element of the Bio100 goal to capture a significant share of the long-term biosimilar opportunity.
Richard Saynor, Chief Executive Officer of Sandoz, says: “This investment reflects our confidence in the long-term growth potential of biosimilars and our ambition to maximise the full potential of the upcoming opportunity through our Bio100 goal, announced earlier today.
“Expanding our manufacturing network strengthens our ability to support future portfolio growth, create long-term value and increase patient access to affordable medicines, while extending our position as the pioneer and global leader in biosimilars.”
Armin Metzger, President Biosimilar Development, Manufacturing & Supply, says: “This investment will complement our Europe-based biosimilar manufacturing network spanning low-, mid- and high-volume production technologies. It further strengthens the foundations of our future growth, creating long-term value and maximising flexibility and control over capacity.”
Located next to the recently opened state-of-the-art biosimilar development centre, the new facility will support technology transfers, accelerate scale-up and strengthen operational control across the medicine lifecycle.