Sandoz expands biomanufacturing capabilities with new BioInject site

Sandoz has expanded its global biomanufacturing capability with the launch of a cutting-edge facility at Schaftenau in Austria.

The BioInject site has been developed with an investment of 150 million euros (108.4 million pounds) and is expected to create around 100 highly skilled jobs.

It will be used to manufacture prefilled syringes and devices for both Sandoz's biosimilar business and parent company Novartis' novel biologics division, with 18,000 syringes to be filled per hour and 100 packaged per minute.

This means more than 2.2 billion euros has been invested in Austria by the Novartis group since it was first established in 1996.

Carol Lynch, global head of biopharmaceuticals and oncology injectables at Sandoz, said: "BioInject stands as a testament to both Sandoz's technological leadership in biologics, as well as the company's commitment to further strengthening its global leadership in biosimilars."

Sandoz is currently pursuing a strategy of refocusing its business on key geographies and portfolio areas, while streamlining its manufacturing footprint to improve the competitiveness of its global production network.