2019-09-23
Cobra Biologics invests 200 million SEK in Matfors facility
Cobra Biologics is building Sweden’s first 500 litre bioreactor for plasmid DNA and microbiota production. The two new production lines in Matfors, Sweden, represent a 200 million SEK investment for the CDMO, who has sites in both Sweden and the UK. The Swedish site focuses on three key services; plasmid DNA, Microbiota and Fill Finish operations.
“Very few suppliers worldwide with our expertise in plasmid DNA production can offer this type of capacity. The investment includes both 50 litre and 500 litre production lines, of which the larger will be set up in a new facility with cleanroom areas, connected machines and warehousing space,” explains Lars Fahlander, Site Manager, Cobra Biologics Matfors.
To support the new facility Cobra is also recruiting 10-20 people in addition to the 70 employed at the Matfors site. These new recruits will bring with them competencies such as tech transfer in areas of DNA manufacturing, validation and maintenance engineering.
We reported previously that Cobra had initiated a strategic review of its facilities in response to a rapid increase in demand for ATMP development and manufacture services. This recent investment demonstrates the commitment of the company to make Sweden a global leader with GMP approved, ATMP suitable, industrial scale manufacture for clinical trials through to commercial supply.
The last decade had seen the emergence of an array of gene and immunotherapies within ATMP, where patients have been successfully treated through the insertion of editing of genes. Based on the successes of these therapies, and the broad applicability of such gene correcting technologies to other diseases, the need for industrial scale solutions for DNA and virus manufacture is rapidly increasing.
“The U.S. and Europe are fast growing markets. Clients often come to us because of our Swedish location. The pharmaceuticals industry here is held in high regard, due to the availability of specialized and skilled people in combination with access to advanced technology,” concludes Lars Fahlander.
The Cobra Biologics’ new ATMP facility is scheduled to open mid-2020.
Article written by: Heather Main
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