Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) has announced a significant expansion of its manufacturing capabilities through a new agreement with FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies ("Fujifilm") to produce bulk drug product of Regeneron's commercial biologic medicines at Fujifilm's Holly Springs, North Carolina campus.
The partnership, valued at over $3 billion with a ten-year term, will nearly double Regeneron's U.S. large-scale manufacturing capacity by leveraging Fujifilm's state-of-the-art biopharmaceutical facility. Technology transfer is beginning immediately to ensure timely production capabilities.
"Regeneron is an American success story, with over 80 percent of our workforce and assets in the U.S. and all of our FDA-approved medicines invented in our New York laboratories," said Leonard Schleifer, M.D., Ph.D., Board co-Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer of Regeneron. "Our innovative approach has filled our commercial and clinical pipeline with important new medicines and driven a need for even more manufacturing capacity to fulfill the promise of our science."
Strategic Manufacturing Expansion
This agreement represents a portion of Regeneron's broader manufacturing strategy, with ongoing and planned investments in New York and North Carolina infrastructure expected to total more than $7 billion. The company continues to invest heavily in its New York State operations, including:
- An approximately $3.6 billion expansion of its Tarrytown campus, creating 1,000 full-time, high-skill jobs
- Construction of a new state-of-the-art fill/finish manufacturing facility in Rensselaer, New York
- Acquisition of over 1 million square feet of property in Saratoga Springs, New York, for production support activities and potential additional manufacturing capacity
Daniel Van Plew, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Industrial Operations and Product Supply at Regeneron, emphasized the company's commitment to quality in manufacturing: "At Regeneron, we have the privilege of making some of the best and most innovative therapeutics in the industry, and we are acutely aware of our impact on people's lives as we work to help treat or even cure devastating diseases. We take our role seriously, and our decision to work with Fujifilm reflects our belief that they will meet our high standards and grow with us."
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The manufacturing expansion comes as Regeneron has added more than 7,000 jobs over the past five years, with the majority being high-paying R&D and manufacturing positions based in the United States. This growth trajectory reflects the increasing demand for Regeneron's biologic medicines and the company's commitment to maintaining U.S.-based operations.
Lars Petersen, President and Chief Executive Officer of FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: "Partnering with Regeneron, a global leader in biotechnology and scientific innovation, is a true honor for us, as we bring together our exceptional teams and shared vision to make transformative medicine accessible to patients. We are honored that Regeneron has the trust and confidence in our teams' ability to deliver capacity faster, ensuring continuity of supply for patients in need."
Regeneron's Growing Portfolio
Regeneron has established itself as one of the largest manufacturers of biologics globally. The company develops and commercializes medicines for patients with eye diseases, allergic and inflammatory diseases, cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, neurological diseases, hematologic conditions, infectious diseases, and rare diseases.
The company's approach to drug development leverages proprietary technologies such as VelociSuite®, which produces optimized fully human antibodies and new classes of bispecific antibodies. Additionally, Regeneron utilizes data-powered insights from the Regeneron Genetics Center® and pioneering genetic medicine platforms to identify innovative targets and complementary approaches to potentially treat or cure diseases.
Manufacturing Capacity for Future Growth
This manufacturing expansion comes at a strategic time for Regeneron as the company continues to advance its pipeline of biologic medicines. The additional capacity will support both current commercial products and future therapies in development, ensuring Regeneron can meet growing patient needs across multiple therapeutic areas.
The partnership with Fujifilm represents a significant step in securing Regeneron's manufacturing capabilities for the next decade, with technology transfer already underway to bring additional capacity online at Fujifilm's biologics manufacturing facility in Holly Springs, North Carolina.
