Fujifilm Celebrates Grand Opening of $3.2 Billion Biomanufacturing Site in North Carolina

Fujifilm Biotechnologies has celebrated the grand opening of its commercial-scale cell culture manufacturing site in North Carolina. The site represents one of the largest biomanufacturing sites in North America and has a capacity of 8 x 20,000-liter mammalian cell culture bioreactors. The facility will produce drug product and drug substance, with finished goods capabilities to be added in 2026. The total investment in the site is $3.2 billion, and Fujifilm plans to double capacity in a second phase expansion.

Fujifilm Biotechnologies has celebrated the grand opening of its commercial-scale cell culture manufacturing site in Holly Springs, North Carolina. This site, one of the largest biomanufacturing facilities in North America, is equipped with a capacity of 8 x 20,000-liter mammalian cell culture bioreactors. The facility is set to produce drug product and drug substance, with finished goods capabilities planned for 2026. The total investment in the site is $3.2 billion, and Fujifilm has plans to double its capacity in a second phase expansion.

The new site represents a significant milestone for Fujifilm Biotechnologies, which is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Fujifilm Holdings Corporation. The facility is part of an expanded manufacturing agreement with Argenx, a global biopharmaceutical company based in the Netherlands. Argenx will be the first confirmed tenant in the second phase of Fujifilm’s planned expansion at the site, which will double the facility’s current mammalian cell culture capacity by adding eight more 20,000-liter bioreactors.

The expanded agreement also integrates Argenx into Fujifilm’s global kojoX network—a modular manufacturing platform designed to offer flexible, scalable production across sites in the United States, Europe, and Asia. This network supports a local-for-local supply strategy, with manufacturing sites located closer to patients and markets.

"By expanding manufacturing in the United States, we will help to meet Argenx’ global supply chain needs for efgartigimod," said Lars Petersen, president and CEO of Fujifilm Biotechnologies. Filip Borgions, chief technology innovation officer at Argenx, added that the U.S. expansion strengthens the company’s manufacturing footprint and global supply chain.

The new site is strategically positioned to support Argenx’s global supply chain needs, particularly for efgartigimod, a monoclonal antibody fragment approved in multiple markets under the brand names Vyvgart and Vyvgart Hytrulo. Efgartigimod is currently used to treat adults with generalized myasthenia gravis and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, both rare autoimmune conditions affecting the neuromuscular system.

The investment in this facility is part of a broader trend in the biotechnology industry, where companies are increasingly focusing on scalable, flexible manufacturing solutions. According to a recent report, the global cell biology research market is projected to register high growth between 2024 and 2030, driven by advances in instrumentation, consumables, and software platforms Global Cell Biology Research Market 2024-2030: Advances in Single-Cell Technologies and Genomics Tools Driving Transformational Growth^[2]. The market is expected to reach significant revenue milestones, reflecting accelerating innovation and increased demand for advanced research tools.

As Fujifilm Biotechnologies continues to expand its manufacturing capabilities, it is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for biopharmaceuticals and advanced cell-based therapies. The company’s strategic investments in North Carolina and other regions underscore its commitment to meeting the global supply chain needs of its partners and supporting the broader biotechnology industry.

References
Fujifilm Biotechnologies expands manufacturing partnership with argenx in North Carolina^[1] https://www.dotmed.com/news/story/65402
Global Cell Biology Research Market 2024-2030: Advances in Single-Cell Technologies and Genomics Tools Driving Transformational Growth^[2] https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/09/22/3153686/28124/en/Global-Cell-Biology-Research-Market-2024-2030-Advances-in-Single-Cell-Technologies-and-Genomics-Tools-Driving-Transformational-Growth.html