Amgen’s 2,000L Perfusion Bioreactor Yields 50 kg in Two Weeks
Amgen’s demonstration of perfusion bioreactor technology delivered 50 kilograms of drug substance in two weeks using a 2,000L reactor, equating to output of a 15,000L fed-batch system. This continuous bioprocessing capability could reduce production costs by 50% per gram and halve facility footprints, potentially boosting Amgen’s biologics manufacturing efficiency.
1. Amgen Demonstrates Breakthrough in Perfusion Bioreactor Efficiency
Amgen reported that its 2,000-liter perfusion bioreactor produced 50 kilograms of drug substance in just two weeks, a throughput equivalent to a 15,000-liter fed-batch vessel. This yield of approximately 7.6 grams per liter per day represents a fivefold increase over traditional batch processes and supports a 50% reduction in production costs per gram. By leveraging continuous processing, Amgen has also reduced facility footprint by 51% and cut CO2 emissions by 54%, enhancing its sustainability profile. These operational improvements position Amgen to accelerate time-to-market for high-value biologics and biosimilars, potentially unlocking several hundred million dollars in incremental annual EBITDA as commercial demand for efficient manufacturing surges.