WuXi Biologics accomplishes automated continuous drug substance production at pilot-scale

Building on its success in developing continuous production at pilot-scale with the WuXiUP™ platform, WuXi Biologics has further enhanced the technology to achieve automated continuous drug substance (DS) manufacturing at pilot-scale.

• This advancement integrates industry-leading technologies, including membrane chromatography and automated control systems, along with iterative enhancements to Process Analytical Technology (PAT)
• The WuXiUP™ automated continuous production platform will deliver greater value as it boosts manufacturing efficiency and product quality, enabling clients to accelerate the journey of their innovative therapies from development to commercialization

Shanghai, August 12, 2025 – WuXi Biologics (2269.HK), a leading global Contract Research, Development, and Manufacturing Organisation (CRDMO), today announced that its intensified perfusion culture process platform, WuXiUP™, has achieved end-to-end, fully automated continuous drug substances (DS) production at pilot scale. The automated continuous production platform will be deployed across the company’s major GMP facilities, offering clients greater efficiency and flexibility to accelerate the journey of their innovative therapies from development to commercialisation.

By fully integrating an automated system, the continuous production platform enables non-stop 24/7 operation, which minimises manual intervention, reduces quality risks, and enhances manufacturing efficiency. In upstream processes, WuXiUP™ has accomplished exceptional performance: 24 days of continuous cell culture yields a total output that exceeds 110 g/L, with a peak daily yield of 7.6 g/L. For downstream purification, WuXiUP™ incorporates a two-step, high-efficiency membrane chromatography system. Compared to traditional resin-based stationary phases, this technology enables faster mass transfer, delivering a 5- to 10-fold increase in productivity.

To strengthen quality control throughout downstream continuous purification, WuXiUP™ employs advanced, iteratively improved Process Analytical Technology (PAT), which provides real-time monitoring and feedback on critical parameters in Harvested Clarified Cell Culture Fluid (HCCF), including protein purity, concentration, pH, and conductivity. When integrated with the automated closed-loop control system, the technology utilises Residence Time Distribution (RTD) analysis to intelligently divert out-of-spec samples, significantly enhancing manufacturing procedure control.

Dr Chris Chen, CEO of WuXi Biologics, commented: “The WuXiUP™ platform has already proved its technical maturity and viability in commercial manufacturing. And now it has reached another significant milestone: accomplishing fully automated continuous DS production at pilot scale. Such achievements underscore WuXi Biologics’ steadfast dedication to furthering technological innovation, and advancing the standards for digitalization and automation in biopharmaceutical R&D and manufacturing - both of which are critical capabilities to improve quality and accelerate timelines. With our deep technical expertise and extensive track record, WuXi Biologics remains committed to enabling our global clients to speed drug development more efficiently, benefiting patients worldwide.”

This article has been republished from the following sources (please see below) and is not my original work. I am not responsible for the content's accuracy or any consequences arising from its use. Material may have been edited for length and house style. For further information, please contact the cited source. Our Terms of Use policy can be accessed here.

Source: WuXi Biologics' WuXiUP^TM Accomplishes Automated Continuous Drug Substance Production at Pilot-Scale [Accessed Auygust 12, 2025] https://www.wuxibiologics.com/press-release/wuxi-biologics-wuxiup-accomplishes-automated-continuous-drug-substance-production-at-pilot-scale/