AGC Biologics Unveils Strategic Entry into Single-Use Bioprocessing Market: Yokohama Facility Set to Transform Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Landscape

AGC Biologics has revealed grand plans to build a cutting-edge manufacturing facility at AGC Inc.'s Yokohama Technical Center in Japan as part of a strategically planned effort to increase its market share in single-use bioprocessing, well-known Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) . AGC Biologics plans to expand by using single-use bioprocessing technologies to fulfill the increasing global demand for biologics and advanced therapy medical products (ATMPs). The facility is expected to open by 2026.

The new AGC Biologics Yokohama facility is poised to offer comprehensive services spanning from pre-clinical to commercial stages for mammalian-based protein biologics, cell therapies, and messenger RNA (mRNA) production—all facilitated through the implementation of single-use bioreactors and reactors. With multiple 2,000 L single-use bioreactors and several 4,000 L or larger reactors dedicated to mammalian cell culture services, the facility is well-positioned to become one of Japan's largest sites for mammalian-based manufacturing capacity upon completion. These reactors are indicative of a significant commitment to single-use bioprocessing technologies.

Crucially, the endeavor to establish the AGC Biologics Yokohama facility has garnered substantial support from the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), aligning with the ministry's initiative to fortify vaccine production capabilities in the region. With an anticipated investment totaling approximately 50 billion Japanese yen (0,500,000 USD), the facility underscores Japan's strategic focus on bolstering its biopharmaceutical manufacturing infrastructure, particularly in the context of single-use bioprocessing technologies.

Overall, the announcement of the AGC Biologics Yokohama facility underscores the growing prominence of single-use bioprocessing technologies in the global biopharmaceutical manufacturing landscape. As AGC Biologics continues to expand its footprint in this sector, fueled by strategic investments and government support, it reaffirms the pivotal role of single-use bioprocessing in meeting the evolving needs of the biopharmaceutical industry while driving innovation and growth in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

Global Single-Use Bioprocessing Market Outlook

According to Vantage Market Research analysts, the global Single-Use Bioprocessing Market is projected to reach USD 57.35 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.6%. Prominent players driving this growth include Thermo Fisher Scientific, Danaher Corporation, and Sartorius AG dominate with their comprehensive product portfolios and global presence, leveraging their extensive R&D capabilities and strategic acquisitions. However, niche players like Merck KGaA and Eppendorf carve out their space with specialized offerings, focusing on technological advancements and tailored solutions. Moreover, the market witnesses a continuous influx of new entrants driven by advancements in biotechnology and growing demand for flexible manufacturing solutions, intensifying competition and fostering innovation across the sector.