The deal, for which financial terms were not disclosed, is expected to close early next year, subject to customary regulatory approvals.

With the site purchase, San Diego, California-headquartered Resilience has agreed to invest in both operations and tangible assets as well as retaining AstraZeneca’s employees, including executives — the latter a rare occurrence in the drugs sector.

The two companies additionally have sealed a long-term bio-manufacturing partnership supporting the UK-headquartered pharma’s portfolio. Under a multi-year supply agreement, AstraZeneca will gain access to Resilience’s end-to-end manufacturing services.

Resilience said it plans to make the West Chester site into its “global center of excellence” for commercial drug product manufacturing as a step toward its goal of broadening patient access to complex medicines and protecting domestic biopharmaceutical supply chains.

“As part of our long-term strategy to ensure our global supply network remains fit for the future, we are continuously optimizing our manufacturing footprint to meet the evolving needs of our pipeline and portfolio,” Andrew Wirths, senior vice president, Americas Supply Region at AstraZeneca, said, commenting on the plans.

“The transfer of our West Chester site to Resilience will enable the continued supply of AstraZeneca medicines to patients, as well as the continued employment for more than 500 people working at the West Chester site,” Wirths added.

The Ohio facility is equipped with end-to-end drug product manufacturing equipment for vials, cartridges, pre-filled syringes and autoinjectors and has a virtual reality training center. Additionally, it is capable of aseptic filling, inspection, packaging, labeling and cold-chain operations.

Author: Dede Williams, Freelance Journalist