WuXi ATU Launches Fourth Manufacturing Site for Gene and Cell Therapy CTDMO Service

On October 17, WuXi Advanced Therapies (WuXi ATU), a WuXi AppTec subsidiary, launched a new development and manufacturing facility in Lin-gang, Shanghai. This marks WuXi ATU’s fourth production site worldwide.

The Fourth Facility for WuXi ATU

Based in the U.S., WuXi ATU provides Contract, Testing, Development and Manufacturing Organization (CTDMO) services for cell and gene therapy. It currently has production sites in the U.S., UK, and China.

Chief Executive Officer of WuXi ATU, Dr. David Chang said, “By expanding our global footprint, we will provide enhanced cell and gene therapy manufacturing services for our customers worldwide and better enable them to deliver more effective and accessible advanced therapies to patients.”

WuXi ATU said the Lin-gang facility has over 200 independent suites and 6 complete production lines, including an independent liquid distribution center and independent GMP standard sterile filling isolator. The plant will collaborate with the other 3 sites to support the global demand for viral vectors and cell therapies.

WuXi ATU to Enrich CTDMO Power

As the CTDMO branch of WuXi AppTec, WuXi ATU has powered up its services through collaboration and M&A in the past 2 years. In March 2021, WuXi AppTec acquired OXGENE, UK-based biotech focusing on the discovery and manufacturing of gene and cell products. After the acquisition, OXGENE was placed as a subsidiary of WuXi ATU and became WuXi ATU’s first facility in Europe.

At the end of 2020, WuXi ATU teamed up with German biotech ViGeneron to accelerate the clinical development of ophthalmic gene therapy, VG901. The drug is used to treat patients with Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a rare genetic disorder with no approved therapy so far.

WuXi ATU also expanded the facilities in its Philadelphia Navy Yard campus to triple the advanced testing capacity in November 2020. The site is expected to provide testing services for cell and gene therapy worldwide.

Author

Tyler Chen

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