AstraZeneca to Expand Frederick Biologics Mfg. Center

AstraZeneca plans to expand its biologics manufacturing center in Frederick, MD, investing more than $200 million to increase production capacity to support its maturing pipeline. Biologics currently represent nearly 50% of the company’s overall pipeline.
 
The Frederick biologics manufacturing center is an FDA licensed, large-scale cell culture production facility, with hundreds of thousands of square feet of administrative, production, warehouse, lab and utility space. The expansion, expected to be complete in mid-2017, will add approximately 40,000 square feet of manufacturing, lab and administrative space. The expansion will also add approximately 300 new jobs to the site.
 
“Biologics are an important part of AstraZeneca’s overall capabilities, in addition to our strengths in small molecules and protein engineering,” said Andrew D. Skibo, regional vice president of biologics supply for AstraZeneca. “Our global biologics research and development arm, MedImmune, has a robust pipeline of more than 120 biologics, including more than 30 in clinical development. The expansion of our Frederick facility will support the progression of drug candidates across our core therapeutic areas, ultimately aiding us in our efforts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients through scientific leadership and innovative new treatments.”
 
The Frederick manufacturing center is the company’s largest biologics manufacturing facility globally. The site currently produces a pediatric medication, as well as other investigational biologics.