AGC has unveiled plans to build a cutting-edge manufacturing facility at AGC Inc.'s Yokohama Technical Center in Japan. 

This strategic move aligns with AGC's commitment to expanding high-quality pharmaceutical development and manufacturing services in the Asia region, addressing the increasing global demand for biologics and advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs). The anticipated operational date for the facility is 2026.

The AGC Biologics Yokohama facility is set to provide a comprehensive range of services, spanning from pre-clinical to commercial stages, focusing on mammalian-based protein biologics, cell therapies, and messenger RNA (mRNA). 

The site will house multiple 2,000 L single-use bioreactors and several 4,000 L or larger reactors for mammalian cell culture services, positioning it as one of Japan's largest sites for mammalian-based manufacturing capacity upon completion, according to AGC estimates.

The initiative to construct this facility has been made possible through a grant from the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), as part of their efforts to enhance vaccine production in the region, announced in October 2022. 

The total investment for the AGC Biologics Yokohama site is estimated to be approximately 50 billion Japanese yen (USD 350,500,000). Once fully operational, the facility is expected to employ 400 people.

Patricio Massera, CEO of AGC Biologics, stated, "With an increased demand in this region for high-quality partners that have a history of clinical and commercial biopharmaceutical manufacturing, we are making this investment to offer developers the services they need and strengthen our global CDMO network. The new Yokohama facility will be a central location for innovators in Japan and across the Asia Pacific, offering scientific expertise, technical flexibility, and needed services to support development and manufacturing at every critical stage."

The Yokohama facility is anticipated to play a crucial role in meeting the growing needs of regional and global developers seeking biopharmaceutical development and manufacturing capabilities. 

Moreover, it is expected to enhance operational and supply chain efficiencies across AGC Biologics' global network. Currently, the company operates the Chiba facility in the region, providing mammalian expression and microbial fermentation services.