Eisai said that its 65,000sqft facility is expected to serve as Eisai’s global commercial manufacturing and drug development site for intravenous drug products in support of the company’s global clinical development programs, including those for oncology.
Eisai has invested approximately $100m in the new facility, which encompasses aseptic processing suites, laboratories and other support functions. The new operation is designed to handle and process highly potent compounds utilising isolator containment technology.
The new site is expected to complement Eisai’s existing 190,000sqft operation, which is utilised for the commercial manufacturing of oral solid dose products as well as the formulation and development of compounds for use in clinical trials.
In addition, a separate $22m central utilities building was opened in 2008 to supply power, steam, chilled water and compressed air to the existing operation, new parenteral facility and for future expansions.
Haruo Naito, president and CEO of Eisai Co, said: “Eisai is committed to developing novel anti-cancer agents and other treatments as part of its human health care (hhc) mission to satisfy unmet medical needs and contribute to the health and well-being of people worldwide.
“The opening of this new facility marks a major milestone in our history and will support the advancement of important new therapies for patients, especially those who are battling life-threatening illnesses.”
Hajime Shimizu, chairman and CEO of Eisai, said: “Constructing this new facility at our current location has allowed for the seamless integration of our production and research and development operations. Furthermore, North Carolina’s highly skilled workforce, as evidenced by our capable and dedicated employees, has helped Eisai become the successful company that it is today and will continue to help propel our business in the future.”