WuXi Biologics Breaks Ground on Cutting-Edge Microbial Production Plant in China

WuXi Biologics, a leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), has announced the groundbreaking of a new state-of-the-art microbial production facility in Chengdu, China. The 95,000-square-meter (1.2 million-square-foot) plant is set to become a cornerstone in the company's expansion strategy, capitalizing on the growing global demand for microbial-derived biopharmaceuticals.

Facility Specifications and Capabilities

The Chengdu facility, slated to be GMP-ready by the end of 2026, will boast several cutting-edge features:

• China's first dual-chamber lyophilization production line
• A vial filling line with a total capacity exceeding 10 million vials per year
• A 15,000-liter fermenter capable of producing 80 to 110 drug substance batches annually

The plant is designed to accommodate a diverse range of modalities, including peptides, antibody fragments, enzymes, cytokines, plasmid DNA, and virus-like particles. This versatility positions WuXi Biologics to meet the evolving needs of the biopharmaceutical industry.

Strategic Partnerships and Commercial Production

WuXi Biologics has already secured key partnerships for the new facility:

1. VISEN Pharmaceuticals: The Chengdu plant will produce lonapegsomatropin, VISEN's first commercial product. This long-acting growth hormone is intended for the treatment of pediatric growth hormone deficiency.

2. Virogen Biotechnology: WuXi has established a partnership focused on commercial manufacturing operations with this biotechnology company.

These collaborations underscore the strategic importance of the new facility in WuXi Biologics' portfolio and its potential to drive future growth.

Financial Performance and Future Outlook

Despite facing political challenges in the United States, WuXi Biologics reported strong financial performance in 2024:

• Overall sales growth of 9.6%, reaching nearly 18.7 billion yuan ($2.6 billion)
• Excluding COVID-related projects, revenue growth of 13.1% year-over-year

The company attributes its success to the growth of key technology platforms, such as ADCs and bispecific antibodies, as well as recent capacity expansions and increased production in Europe.

Looking ahead, WuXi Biologics' CEO, Chris Chen, expressed confidence in the company's trajectory, stating, "With the booming global market for microbial products presenting unprecedented potential for next-generation therapies, our Chengdu site—with its robust production scale and cutting-edge technologies—is ideally positioned to capitalize on this trend." Chen further projected "accelerated and profitable growth in 2025 and beyond."

As WuXi Biologics continues to expand its global footprint, the Chengdu facility represents a significant step in strengthening its position in the rapidly evolving biopharmaceutical landscape.