The facility is equipped with Samabriva’s proprietary bioreactors, which have been specifically designed to maximize production in so-called hairy root cultures. Hairy root cultures, also called transformed root cultures, are a type of plant tissue cultures that are used to study plant metabolic processes or to produce valuable secondary metabolites or recombinant proteins, often combined with plant genetic engineering.

With the inauguration of the new facility, Samabriva transitions to industrial production following a decade of research and development. Phase one of the facility is expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2025 to meet the demands of the company’s first commercial international customers.

In addition to providing advanced manufacturing, the facility will create several new jobs across bioproduction, analytics and quality assurance, contributing to global economic growth. According to Samabriva, it will also provide customers with full control over the biomanufacturing process, offering a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to open-field production.

Pascal Lizin, chairman of Samabriva’s board, said: “This new facility represents a significant milestone for Samabriva. It emphasizes our commitment to delivering plant-based bioproduction at large scale. By offering control over the entire value chain, the facility has the potential to transform production of high-value molecules – delivering them more cost-effectively to international customers, when and where they’re needed.”

Bertrand Duquesne, chief operating officer at Samabriva, added: “We are delighted to be implementing the high-potential manufacturing platform that Samabriva has been developing over the last ten years on an industrial scale. The platform will enable GMP quality production of molecules of interest for our current and future customers.”