Genzyme to Build New Biomanufacturing Plant to Support Growth of Thymoglobulin

Facility Expected to be Among First Manufacturing Sites in France To Gain High Environmental Quality Certification

11-Jun-2007

Corporate Info Investors Genzyme Corp. announced that it will build a new biomanufacturing plant in Lyon, France, for the production of Thymoglobulin® (Anti-thymocyte Globulin [Rabbit]), a treatment used in transplantation. The facility is needed to meet the anticipated long-term demand for Thymoglobulin, both for its current use and in potential new indications. The project represents one of a number of investments Genzyme is making in its global manufacturing infrastructure to support the growth of existing products and to prepare for the introduction of future products from its rich late-stage pipeline.

In addition to the Lyon project, Genzyme is completing the development of a new plant in Belgium for the production of monoclonal antibodies and proteins and expanding other facilities, including its Allston Landing protein manufacturing plant in Boston. Genzyme also recently received regulatory approvals for a new filling and packaging facility at its manufacturing site in Ireland, which has become the company's major European center for the final production and distribution of a range of products, including Thymoglobulin. Genzyme operates fifteen GMP manufacturing plants around the world, seven of them in Europe.

The new 140,000-square-foot facility in Lyon will replace Genzyme's smaller plant in nearby Marcy l'Etoile and will provide more than twice the manufacturing capacity. Approximately 165 people are employed at the existing Thymoglobulin plant, and Genzyme expects that approximately 50 new jobs will be created when the new facility operates at full capacity. The total cost of the project is expected to be EUR105 million.

The new plant will be located within the Lyon-Gerland Biopôle, an area dedicated to biotechnology. The facility will be situated on a nine-acre site, which will allow Genzyme to expand the plant if needed, as it has done at a number of its other manufacturing locations. Construction is expected to begin later this year, and regulatory approvals are expected starting in 2010. Routine manufacturing at the site is expected to commence in 2011.

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Topic world Antibodies

Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous

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Topic world Antibodies

Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous