Investment to Boost Biologic Therapies Production and Local Economy
Kyowa Kirin, Inc., a subsidiary of Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., a global specialty pharmaceutical company based in Japan, has announced board approval for a significant investment in the construction of a new state-of-the-art biologics manufacturing facility in Sanford, North Carolina. The $530 million investment will enhance the company’s capability to produce advanced biologic therapies for rare and serious diseases, contributing to the economic growth of the region.
Creating Local Opportunities and Collaborations
The new 171,700-square-foot facility will feature two reactors and is expected to create more than 100 new jobs with an average salary of $91,496. Kyowa Kirin plans to collaborate with local colleges, universities, businesses, and civic leaders to tap into the local talent pool and align with the region’s vision for growth. “The extraordinary complexity of the medicines we manufacture requires specialized skills and resources that are in plentiful supply in Sanford and the Research Triangle region,” stated Paul Testa, Executive Vice President of Kyowa Kirin North America.
Advancing Biologic Therapies and Strengthening Supply Chains
Kyowa Kirin’s new facility will manufacture innovative biologic therapies, including next-generation antibodies for clinical trials and future commercial use. The 75-acre campus at Helix Innovation Park at The Brickyard offers room for future expansion, ensuring the facility can grow with the company’s pipeline. The construction is set to begin in the second half of 2024 and is expected to be fully operational by 2027. State and local performance-based incentives will support the investment, projected to boost North Carolina’s economy by $1.05 billion over the next 12 years.
Kyowa Kirin continues to strengthen its global manufacturing network with this new addition, complementing existing sites in Takasaki City and Ube City, Japan. This strategic investment aims to meet the growing global demand for treatments targeting rare diseases, leveraging the robust biomanufacturing resources and talent in North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park region.
About Kyowa Kirin Kyowa Kirin is dedicated to creating and delivering novel medicines with life-changing value. With over 70 years of expertise in antibody research and engineering, the Japan-based Global Specialty Pharmaceutical Company addresses patient needs across Nephrology, Oncology, Immunology/Allergy, and Neurology. United by a commitment to life, teamwork, innovation, and integrity, Kyowa Kirin operates across Japan, Asia Pacific, North America, and EMEA/International regions.
For more information about Kyowa Kirin and its initiatives, visit Kyowa Kirin North America.
