CHENGDU, April 24, 2026

WuXi Biologics has reached a major milestone with the structural completion and key equipment installation at its microbial commercial manufacturing site in Chengdu, signaling strong progress toward GMP-ready production by the end of 2026. This advanced facility reinforces the company’s position as a global leader in Contract Research, Development, and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO) services, enabling scalable production of next-generation biologics and complex therapies. The site is designed to support drug substance (DS) and drug product (DP) manufacturing, reflecting growing industry demand for high-efficiency microbial fermentation platforms that deliver speed, scalability, and cost-effectiveness in biologics production.

Advanced Microbial Manufacturing Capabilities

The Chengdu site spans approximately 95,000 square meters and is engineered to handle a wide range of cutting-edge biologic modalities, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), cell therapies, multi-specific antibodies, and cancer vaccines. At the core of its capabilities is a 15,000-liter fermenter system, enabling the production of up to 110 drug substance batches annually, with future scalability up to 60,000 liters.

This robust infrastructure allows WuXi Biologics to meet the increasing demand for recombinant protein-based therapies, such as polypeptides, enzymes, cytokines, and antibody fragments, which are essential components of modern therapeutic innovation. Additionally, the facility includes China’s first dual-chamber lyophilization production line and a high-capacity vial-filling line capable of producing over 10 million vials annually, significantly enhancing its commercial-scale manufacturing capabilities for complex formulations.

Digital Integration and GMP Compliance Excellence

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A key differentiator of the Chengdu facility is its integration of advanced automation and digital manufacturing systems, ensuring high levels of process control, data integrity, and regulatory compliance. These systems support seamless operations across both upstream and downstream processes, enabling efficient technology transfer and consistent production quality. The site is designed to meet Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, a critical requirement for global regulatory approval and commercialization.

WuXi Biologics also leverages its proprietary EffiX™ E. coli expression platform, capable of achieving high recombinant protein yields of up to 15 g/L, significantly accelerating development timelines. The company’s microbial platform supports end-to-end services, from plasmid DNA development to Investigational New Drug (IND) filing within six months, providing a competitive advantage in the rapidly evolving biopharmaceutical landscape.

Sustainability and Future Biologics Growth

Beyond its technical capabilities, the Chengdu site incorporates environmentally sustainable design principles, including green building practices, photovoltaic energy systems, and sponge city infrastructure, aligning with global ESG standards. This reflects WuXi Biologics’ commitment to sustainable biomanufacturing and responsible innovation, ensuring long-term value for stakeholders and minimizing environmental impact.

As microbial fermentation gains traction for its efficiency, scalability, and cost advantages, the new facility positions WuXi Biologics to support a growing pipeline of global client projects, including dozens of late-stage and commercial programs.

With over 900 integrated projects worldwide, the company continues to expand its end-to-end CRDMO capabilities, enabling pharmaceutical innovators to accelerate the development and commercialization of life-saving biologics. The Chengdu site is expected to play a pivotal role in meeting global demand for advanced therapies, strengthening supply chains, and driving the next wave of biopharmaceutical innovation.

Source: WuXi Biologics press release