ShanghaiMay 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On May 19, 2026, FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics, Inc. (hereinafter “FCDI”), a developer and manufacturer of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) under the Fujifilm Group, held a grand opening ceremony for its new iPSC research and production facility at its headquarters in Madison, USA. The new facility is expected to quadruple the production capacity of the company’s iPSC-related research products and services, while further expanding FCDI’s capabilities in the research product field. Designed to meet future contract manufacturing needs for cell therapy products, the facility is highly scalable, covering a range of processes from preclinical drug production to commercial manufacturing.
The new facility will expand the production of the company’s iPSC-derived cell product lines, which are increasingly being used in new approach methodologies (NAMs) for drug development.
“The completion of this facility comes at a critical time for the iPSC field. FCDI has focused on technological research and industry practices in the iPSC domain for over 20 years, accumulating extensive experience,” said Toshihisa Iida, Corporate Vice President and Director of Fujifilm Holdings Corporation, as well as General Manager of the Life Science Strategy Division and Bio CDMO Business Division. “This new facility will help us better respond to the growing demands from pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and academia in the field of new drug development, further fulfilling our commitment to delivering transformative medical solutions to patients.”
In recent years, regulatory guidance in the United States and Europe has driven the industry to gradually reduce animal testing and shift toward new approach methodologies (NAMs). Against this backdrop, iPSC-derived differentiated cells, which more accurately simulate human biological functions, have been increasingly used in the preclinical stages of drug development for efficacy and safety assessments.
As part of Fujifilm’s previously announced $200 million strategic investment, this new 175,000-square-foot facility integrates advanced cell culture production laboratories, process development labs, and a gene editing center of excellence. It supports both research-grade iPSC products and provides development services for partners creating next-generation cell therapies. The expanded capacity will drive comprehensive progress in FCDI’s product development, production, and commercialization.
“The launch of this new facility marks a significant milestone for FCDI and a key step in upgrading iPSC research and treatment infrastructure in the United States,” said Tomoyuki Kawatani, President and CEO of FCDI. “By expanding our research and production capabilities, we can better support our partners in translating stem cell science into clinical applications. Our research product portfolio also supports drug discovery across different therapeutic areas, truly fulfilling our brand promise of ‘Partners for Life.'”