Genzyme to Build Additional Plant to Support Growth of Myozyme and Lumizyme
Genzyme Corp. announced that it will build an additional manufacturing plant in Geel, Belgium, to support the long-term growth of Myozyme® and Lumizyme® for Pompe disease. The company held a ceremony today in Geel to mark the start of construction of the new €250 million plant, which will include 8,000 liters of production capacity, a complete purification installation, and ample room for additional future capacity expansions. Commercial approvals for the new site are expected to start late 2014.
Genzyme currently produces Myozyme and Lumizyme at an adjacent plant in Geel, where it is increasing production capacity to 12,000 liters with the addition of a third bioreactor scheduled for approval by the end of this year. Genzyme is also continuing its 160 L production in the U.S. for patients with infantile-onset Pompe disease. The investment in Geel is part the company’s program to increase its overall biologics manufacturing capacity four fold. About 150 new jobs will be created as part of the expansion, bringing the total workforce at the site to nearly 600 people.
“The expansion of our Geel facility is a critical element of our manufacturing strategy and is fundamental to our mission,” said Scott Canute, Genzyme’s President, Global Manufacturing and Corporate Operations. “We are committed to delivering a reliable supply of high quality medicines to our patients. This investment ensures continued supply to our patients in the Pompe community for the long term.”
Other news from the department manufacturing
Get the life science industry in your inbox
From now on, don't miss a thing: Our newsletter for biotechnology, pharma and life sciences brings you up to date every Tuesday and Thursday. The latest industry news, product highlights and innovations - compact and easy to understand in your inbox. Researched by us so you don't have to.
