Pfizer Purchases Production Site from Abzena

Abzena, a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), has agreed to terms with Pfizer to release control of its manufacturing site, based in Sanford, NC. Pfizer reports that once fully constructed, the facility will be capable of producing biologics drug substance, along with providing additional manufacturing capacity. As per the arrangement, Abzena and Pfizer’s CentreOne contract manufacturing organization will work together to bring complex biologic products to market.

Financial terms of the agreement have not been released, but the deal is expected to close by Q1 of this year. Pfizer states that the site is expected to employ an estimated 300 personnel by 2025, including the current staff of 100, bringing its total North Carolina workforce to approximately 4,500 employees.

“Biologics continue to be an integral part of Pfizer’s pipeline, and this acquisition will expand our research, clinical, and commercial manufacturing capacity,” says Mike McDermott, Pfizer’s EVP and chief global supply officer. “ … Furthermore, this site is located near our existing Rocky Mount and Sanford manufacturing sites, enabling access to turn-key services spanning large molecule drug substance through fill-finish.”

Read more about the acquisition here.