FUJIFILM Biotechnologies, in partnership with the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, recently announced that it will fund a state-of-the-art bioreactor controller via a $100,000 in-kind donation to BTEC. “This equipment will be an excellent addition to NC State BTEC, providing our university students and industry professionals with even more opportunities for hands-on training and deeper understanding of biomanufacturing,” said Gary Gilleskie, BTEC’s executive director.
The new bioreactor controller will automatically monitor and adjust critical conditions, such as dissolved oxygen, pH, stirring speed, and nutrient feeds. These are essential for maintaining the health and growth of live cells during the manufacturing process. The bioreactor controller, which can be run in batch, fed-batch, or perfusion mode, will be used in cell culture courses that are part of BTEC’s academic and professional development programs.
A leading contract development and manufacturing organization for biologics, vaccines, and advanced therapies, FUJIFILM Biotechnologies has been one of BTEC’s industry partners and supporters since the center’s inception. The firm currently holds a seat on BTEC’s Advisory Board.
“As a major employer in the Triangle, we recognize the importance of investing in our community’s future, ensuring that we have a well-trained and readily available workforce capable of supporting us in making complex, powerful, and life-changing medicines,” said Laurie Braxton, senior vice president and head of FUJIFILM’s North Carolina operations. “Our collaboration with BTEC helps ensure that students and trainees are learning on the latest, high-tech equipment available. These important programs fuel our talent pipeline and training programs to help North Carolina continue as a leader in biopharma manufacturing.”
One of the world’s largest life sciences companies, FUJIFILM Biotechnologies is finishing construction of a $3.2 billion facility in Holly Springs that will offer large-scale cell culture manufacturing of bulk drug substances. The company expects to have 1,400 workers at the plant by 2031. FUJIFILM also operates a multi-product manufacturing facility in Research Triangle Park that performs fermentation, cell culture, recovery, purification, and bulk fill.
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