This new unit will become one of the largest CDMOs for the development and manufacturing of biologicals in Europe
It leverages HIPRA's 50 years of scientific and technical excellence across a wide range of biotechnological platforms, enhancing them with a focus on providing flexibility and agility to these clients.
The biopharmaceutical company HIPRA, with over 50 years of experience in the development of biological products, launches HIPRA Biotech Services, its new unit focused on providing development and manufacturing services for biological products to companies in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. As a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), HIPRA Biotech Services encompasses the entire product lifecycle, from the early stages of research and development to large-scale commercial production. This comprehensive approach spans multiple technologies and biological modalities, offering clients flexibility, customized solutions, and the highest quality standards, while meeting the stringent requirements of international regulatory agencies.
“With HIPRA Biotech Services, we bring the knowledge and expertise accumulated over more than 50 years in biotechnology to other companies, along with our technical and scientific capabilities and our commitment to excellence. For decades, we have been a strategic leader in animal health, delivering innovative and high-quality solutions. In recent years, we have successfully extended our expertise to human health, enabling us to offer comprehensive knowledge in the development and manufacturing of biologicals. This CDMO model reflects our mission to provide innovative and sustainable solutions that contribute to improving global health,” said Carles Fàbrega, Managing Director of HIPRA Human Health.
State-of-the-art facilities: proximity and efficiency
HIPRA’s facilities are located in Girona province, with close proximity between sites to ensure optimal connectivity across all stages of the process, from development to the manufacturing of finished products. This strategic location at the heart of the European Union strengthens HIPRA’s commitment to European strategic autonomy, offering solutions that ensure the security and sustainability of the supply chain. This integrated “end-to-end” model facilitates agile decision-making and guarantees rapid progress in projects involving the development, scaling, and commercial manufacturing of biological active ingredients and sterile finished products.
Production capacity: from small projects to large-scale production
The facilities are designed to handle both small projects and large-scale industrial productions, offering the flexibility required to adapt to market demands.
In summary, the new unit will make available over 7,000 Liters of bioreactor capacity for mammalian cell culture and more than 8,000 Liters of fermentation capacity for microbial cultures. Additionally, an aseptic vial filling line with isolator technology is in place. These capacities position HIPRA Biotech Services as one of Europe’s leading CDMOs for the manufacturing of biological products.
HIPRA Biotech Services employs a multidisciplinary team of 1,400 highly specialized professionals, including scientists, engineers, operators, and analysts, among others. This team works closely with clients to provide tailored solutions that meet the most stringent market requirements and ensure quality at every stage of the process.
“Our combination of advanced technology, cutting-edge infrastructure, and a team characterized by optimism in the face of challenges and a commitment to clients’ projects makes us a strategic and flexible partner. We are prepared to respond with technical excellence and operational agility to the challenges of an increasingly competitive market without compromising our internal production capacity”, Fàbrega added.
The new unit will be led by Eduard Viladesau, Managing Director of HIPRA Biotech Services. Viladesau joins after 18 years at Boston Consulting Group, where he specialized in Operations for the pharmaceutical industry and led the CDMO practice. His leadership will be instrumental in driving this new unit, reinforcing HIPRA’s commitment to quality and excellence in the development and production of biological products.
Advanced infrastructure and commitment to sustainability
HIPRA’s production centers feature state-of-the-art technology for manufacturing biological active substances and sterile finished products, adhering to the highest international standards of quality and sustainability. The full automation of the production chain enhances efficiency and minimizes risks.
Additionally, the company is firmly committed to reducing its environmental footprint, promoting responsible and efficient production processes. Optimal management of energy and water resources, combined with the implementation of eco-efficient technologies, enables HIPRA to exceed its own environmental and operational standards year after year.