MilliporeSigma Adds Viral Vector and Gene Therapy Capacity

MilliporeSigma announced in an April 21, 2020 press release that it is building a second commercial facility in Carlsbad, CA, for its viral and gene therapy contract development and manufacturing services. The new, $110-million commercial facility is expected to open next year.

“Viral vector manufacturing has transitioned from a niche industry to the cornerstone of the future of biopharmaceuticals,” said Udit Batra, CEO of MilliporeSigma, in the press release. “Few companies have the scale and quality systems in place for manufacturing commercial viral vector products. Building on our success in helping customers commercialize their gene therapies made possible by viral vectors, our expansion will help innovators produce at a scale that ensures these therapies reach more patients in need.”

MilliporeSigma’s existing Carlsbad facility manufactures gene therapies for its customers globally, and it was expanded in 2016 to 65,0000 ft², giving it 16 modular viral bulk manufacturing cleanroom suites with single-use equipment and two fill/finish suites for gene therapy, viral vaccine, and immunotherapy products. The new, 140,000-ft²manufacturing facility being built will support viral and gene therapy production at the 1000-L scale using MilliporeSigma’s Mobius single-use equipment. It will add 11 suites used in various steps of manufacturing. The new site is located near the existing site in Carlsbad, and the company says it will leverage capabilities across both sites.