WuXi Biologics Expands Microbial Production Capabilities with New Chengdu Facility

WuXi Biologics, a leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), has broken ground on a new microbial production plant in Chengdu, China. The facility, set to be operational by the end of 2026, marks a significant expansion of the company's capabilities in the rapidly growing field of microbial-based therapeutics.

State-of-the-Art Facility to Meet Growing Demand

The 95,000-square-meter (1.2 million-square-foot) facility will feature China's first dual-chamber lyophilization production line and a vial filling line. With a total capacity expected to reach more than 10 million vials per year, the plant is designed to accommodate a variety of modalities, including peptides, antibody fragments, enzymes, cytokines, plasmid DNA, and virus-like particles.

At the heart of the facility will be a 15,000-liter fermenter capable of producing 80 to 110 drug substance batches annually. This substantial capacity positions WuXi Biologics to meet the increasing global demand for microbial products and next-generation therapies.

Strategic Partnerships and Commercial Production

The Chengdu site is already slated to play a crucial role in WuXi Biologics' collaborations with pharmaceutical companies. Notably, the facility will produce VISEN Pharmaceuticals' first commercial product, lonapegsomatropin, a long-acting growth hormone for treating pediatric growth hormone deficiency. Additionally, WuXi has established a partnership with Virogen Biotechnology for commercial manufacturing operations at the new plant.

Chris Chen, CEO of WuXi Biologics, emphasized the strategic importance of the new facility, 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."

Financial Performance and Future Outlook

Despite facing political challenges in the United States, WuXi Biologics reported strong financial performance in 2024, with a 9.6% increase in sales, totaling nearly 18.7 billion yuan ($2.6 billion). Excluding COVID-related projects, the company's revenue grew by 13.1% year-over-year.

WuXi Biologics attributes its recent success to the growth of specific technology platforms in its portfolio, such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and bispecific antibodies, as well as capacity expansions and increased production in Europe. Looking ahead, the company anticipates "accelerated and profitable growth in 2025 and beyond," according to CEO Chris Chen.

As WuXi Biologics continues to expand its global footprint, the new Chengdu facility represents a significant investment in the company's future, solidifying its position as a key player in the pharmaceutical manufacturing landscape.