Innoforce, a global provider of end-to-end contract development and manufacturing services (CDMO), has commenced GMP manufacturing at its new site in Hangzhou, China. The new facility is built to offer process development and manufacturing services for the global supply of RNA, plasmid DNA, viral vectors, and cell therapeutics through research, clinical and commercial stages. It will also serve as the corporate headquarters for the company.

The company is investing a total of more than $200 million in its 550,000-square-foot advanced therapies manufacturing base with a full suite of technology platforms. The GMP manufacturing space is designed with separate areas for plasmids production with three 30-litre bioreactors, viral vector production using 200- and 500-litre bioreactors, and cell therapies in up to eight suites using leading automated production platforms. RNA capabilities include industry-standard in-vitro transcription processing and optimised lipid-nanoparticle (LNP) formulation. In addition, process development & analytics labs, fill-finish lines, and modern warehousing position the site to meet the diverse needs of clients bringing advanced therapies to market.

"Innoforce is committed to enabling innovative RNA, cell, and gene therapeutics, supported by our new world-class manufacturing and development hub and the expertise of our professional colleagues," commented Dr Yuling Li, Chief Executive Officer of Innoforce. "We're thrilled to open our new site, which is among the largest RNA, cell & gene therapy manufacturing sites in Asia, and one of few in the world to integrate such a comprehensive platform in one base."

Dr Min Zhu, Senior Vice President, CDMO Operations, said, "Building on existing capabilities, including our outstanding workforce, scale, and modern technology platforms, we are well-positioned to help clients overcome common pain points and bring revolutionary advanced therapies to market. We believe our platform can support clients to reduce cycle times, increase efficiency, and ensure supply reliability that meets international regulators' requirements."

Innoforce's RNA, cell and gene therapy site is strategically established within the company's Bioinnovation Campus at the heart of a rapidly growing biotech innovation corridor in China and is advantageously located near a major international transportation hub and leading universities. The campus is expected to attract other biotherapeutic enterprises, including a biologic drugs manufacturing operation that Innoforce established with a leading international life sciences supplier. In addition, Innoforce will establish its global headquarters and expects to employ over 300 people on-site by the end of 2023.