Fujifilm Expands Stem Cell Manufacturing in Wisconsin
FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics has inaugurated a new headquarters and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) development and manufacturing facility in Madison, Wisconsin, significantly expanding its production capabilities to meet growing demand for stem cell-based research products, drug discovery tools and future cell therapy manufacturing.
The company said the new site is expected to quadruple manufacturing capacity for its iPSC-based research products and services while broadening capabilities across its research portfolio. The expansion comes as pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions increasingly adopt stem cell-derived models in drug development, particularly as regulators encourage alternatives to animal testing.
The newly opened facility, spanning 175,000 square feet, forms part of a previously announced $200 million strategic investment by Fujifilm aimed at strengthening life sciences and regenerative medicine infrastructure in the United States. The site integrates advanced manufacturing capabilities, including cell culture production laboratories, process development facilities and a dedicated center of excellence for gene editing.
According to the company, the facility has been designed with scalability in mind, enabling operations to evolve from investigational-stage drug manufacturing to commercial-scale production. The infrastructure is intended to support both research-grade stem cell products and contract development and manufacturing services for partners working on next-generation cell therapies.
FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics, a global developer and manufacturer of human-induced pluripotent stem cells, said the expanded site will also increase production of its iPSC-derived iCell product lines, which are increasingly used in new approach methodologies (NAMs) for drug discovery and safety testing.
Interest in NAMs has accelerated in recent years following regulatory guidance in the United States and Europe encouraging reduced reliance on animal testing during preclinical development. Stem cell-derived differentiated cells are increasingly viewed as more accurate models of human biology, helping researchers better assess the efficacy and safety of investigational medicines before they enter clinical testing.
Toshihisa Iida, director and corporate vice president at FUJIFILM Corporation, said the completion of the facility comes at an important moment for the iPSC sector, noting that the company has played a leading role in establishing industry standards for more than two decades. He added that the expansion would enable the company to respond to increasing demand from pharmaceutical companies, academic researchers and scientific institutions pursuing new drug development.
Company executives said the facility will help accelerate research, manufacturing and commercialization efforts across its regenerative medicine and cell therapy portfolio.
Tomoyuki Hasegawa, president and chief executive officer of FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics, described the opening as a major milestone in expanding the infrastructure needed to support future iPSC-based therapies and research applications in the United States. He said enhanced development and manufacturing capabilities would strengthen the company’s ability to support partners translating stem cell science into clinical applications.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Fujifilm executives and several public officials, including Tony Evers, who highlighted Wisconsin’s longstanding role in stem cell research, crediting pioneering scientific work at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and collaboration between the public and private sectors for advancing the state’s biotechnology ecosystem.
Delara Motlagh, chief operating officer of the company, said the expanded footprint reinforces Madison’s position as an international center for stem cell innovation while strengthening support for customers developing regenerative medicine solutions globally.