Biologics drug substance facility in Baltimore expected to enhance global innovator flexibility

Syngene International Limited, a global contract research, development, and manufacturing organization (CRDMO), has announced the acquisition of its first biologics site in the USA – fitted with multiple monoclonal antibody (mAbs) manufacturing lines.

 

The state-of-the-art biologics facility, acquired by Syngene USA Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Syngene, from Emergent Manufacturing Operations Baltimore, LLC (a subsidiary of Emergent BioSolutions Inc.), will expand Syngene’s growing global biologics footprint to better serve its customers across both human and animal health market segments.

 

The new site will increase Syngene’s total single-use bioreactor capacity to 50,000L for large molecule discovery, development, and manufacturing services. Additionally, it will provide Syngene’s customers with continuity of supply from its four development and manufacturing facilities located in India and North America, offering services ranging from cell line development, process optimization and both clinical and commercial supply.

 

Syngene’s investment in its first facility in the United States marks a strategic commitment to the US market, with significant benefits for the local economy and the broader life sciences industry. The facility is expected to create jobs, stimulate local economic activity, and strengthen domestic biologics manufacturing capabilities, while also contributing to pharmaceutical innovation and supply chain resilience. This investment highlights the potential for deeper economic collaboration between India and the United States, fostering sustained economic growth and advancing the shared goal of bolstering critical healthcare infrastructure.

 

Peter Bains, CEO Designate, Syngene International Ltd., said, “With one of the largest biologics R&D teams and commercial scale manufacturing capabilities in both India and the USA, we now offer a compelling and flexible solution for global pharma and biotech customers. This investment will enable Syngene to cater to growing client requirements in an expanding market. It will also provide clients, access to collective service capability of multiple geographic sites, scientists and experience.”

  

Overall investment in the US facility is estimated around $50 million, including the cost of acquisition ($36.5 million) and expenses to make the facility operational. The sale is expected to close in March 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The upgraded Baltimore facility is strategically located near key biotech hubs in the Northeast of the US and will be available for client projects from second half of 2025. Syngene anticipates the site will see demand from innovative US mAb developers requiring direct access for ‘onshore’ production, as well as international innovators that want a US based manufacturing option and complements the capabilities and capacity available across its facilities in Bengaluru.