Aseptic filling workcell, which provides gloveless, robotic aseptic filling capability for final drug product into vials, syringes, and cartridges. [Cytiva]

Cytiva opened a new 126,200 ft2 (11,724 m2) site in the greater Vancouver area to expand the manufacturing capacity of aseptic filling machines by over 200%. The machines, known as workcells, provide gloveless, robotic aseptic filling capability for final drug product into vials, syringes, and cartridges.

Cytiva is a global provider of tools and services for developing and manufacturing therapeutics. “The industry is recognizing that working with a supplier that takes them from idea to injection provides flexibility, standardization, and most importantly, brings drug product to patients faster,” said Olivier Loeillot, vice president and general manager of global product bioprocess for Cytiva.

The new facility, located in Burnaby, BC, will serve as a Center of Excellence for Cytiva’s aseptic filling business. It will house R&D and service, and it will be a base for the global customer user group. Production will be fully transferred over from the existing site to the new site by the end of the year.

The new site increases workcell production capacity with 20 build bays outfitted with customizable electrical and mechanical infrastructure changeable for shifting production needs; 40-foot warehouse height to accommodate incoming materials and outgoing finished goods; and special air handling technology for better air quality in assembly areas, including louvres that can open the manufacturing space to fresh air.

All lighting in the building is LED and tied to motion sensors to conserve energy. There is a recycling and waste management program and six electric car charging stations, with capacity for additional stations as needed.

For now, work continues at the existing manufacturing site. But the transition to the new site has already begun, with office and engineering personnel now working from both locations, according to Loeillot. In September, manufacturing will begin on the first workcell to be built at the newly opened site, and by the end of 2022, production will be fully transferred over to the new site.

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