SHL Medical and FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies enter strategic partnership agreement

SHL Medical (SHL), a world-leading solutions provider of advanced drug delivery systems enters a non-exclusive strategic partnership agreement with FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, a world-leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) for biologics, vaccines, advanced therapies and oncolytic viruses to help meet growing market demand for autoinjector medicines.

The partnership, part of SHL’s Alliance Management Program, aims to streamline processes and enhance efficiency for pharmaceutical and biotech companies offering self-injection device finished goods services primarily with SHL’s flagship platform Molly®. FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies will offer pre-validated final assembly services for Molly autoinjectors for its global customers with increased capacity of up to 30 million units per year beginning early 2025.

Autoinjectors deliver medicines in a patient-centric manner using specifically designed devices that administer medications through a subcutaneous or intramuscular route. Pre-filled injectors have a projected growth rate of approximately 10% per year between now and 2030[1] due to the rise in self-administration especially for chronic diseases including diabetes and obesity. Autoinjector medicines can improve patient safety by reducing potential drug contamination and offer ease of use and convenience for patients who are eligible for self-administration. 

“Partnering with SHL will expand FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies’ ability to offer top-quality, high-speed final assembly of autoinjectors to customers seeking our CDMO services,” said Kenneth Bilenberg, chief operating officer, and executive vice president, large-scale business unit, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies. “Having access to SHL’s full network of solutions and services will enhance our ability to support our customers in improving patient access using autoinjector medicines.”  

The strategic partnership will allow SHL to recommend FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies for final assembly of the Molly autoinjector to customers seeking CDMO services, leading to faster development, streamlined communications, reduced supply chain risks, and a more sustainable manufacturing footprint. 

“Expanding our finished goods services at our site in Hillerød, Denmark underscores our commitment to fulfill the needs of our customers,” said Christian Houborg, site head, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Hillerød, Denmark. “When current drug product expansions and automation projects are complete, our increased capacity and capabilities will enable us to improve patient access to life-impacting medicines, saving our customers time, money, and reducing their products’ carbon footprint by providing drug substance, drug product and finished goods services from our Denmark site.” 

“A number of customers with manufacturing infrastructure in Europe have sought our guidance in recommending a trusted final assembly partner that can support their commitment to a localized supply chain,” said SHL Medical Chief Growth Officer Markus Puusepp. “It is with great pleasure that we will now be able to recommend FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies to them with the full confidence that the collaboration will further support their needs for faster timelines to clinic and to market.”

[1] Based on Fujifilm internal research as of December 2023.