FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies is a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), with a focus on trust-based partnerships and large-scale commercial production.
Lars, you became FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies’ CEO in 2023. How would you describe your experience leading the company so far?
The last year and a half have been quite different from the previous 33 years of my career. My earlier roles were deeply technical and leadership-focused, where I developed a solid understanding of the science and technologies involved. In my current role, I have found myself much more engaged with the broader business agenda, including navigating global and geopolitical challenges. It has given me a completely new perspective, which has been both exciting and challenging.
As a CEO, the scope of influence expands significantly—you are not just overseeing operations or technology; you are aligning the organization with a global vision. This requires balancing innovation, partnerships, and a patient-first philosophy while staying attuned to the complex dynamics of the biotech industry. It has been a period of significant growth for me personally and professionally.
What sets FDB apart from other CDMOs?
Our distinctiveness lies in our mindset—we operate like an innovator, not a typical contract manufacturer. I have worked with companies like Biogen, Roche, and Genentech, and I understand how innovators think. We aim to approach partnerships as collaborators rather than just providers, focusing on shared goals like patient care, quality, and people. This is why we emphasize being a partner to our customers rather than just a CDMO.
This mindset translates into every aspect of how we operate, from our strategy of “Partners for Life” to building a global network organically. Unlike competitors who often acquire facilities piecemeal, we have had the support and investment from Fujifilm to build a cohesive, innovative ecosystem from the ground up.
What are the main trends driving the transformation of the CDMO industry today?
There are two key trends shaping the CDMO industry. First, customers are increasingly seeking deeper partnerships. Ten years ago, many CDMOs were smaller and less capable of fostering these kinds of relationships. Today, clients aim to reduce the number of CDMOs they work with, prioritizing trust and collaboration. This shift has driven the evolution of CDMOs into larger, more versatile organizations capable of meeting these demands.
Second, while large molecules and biologics, particularly monoclonal antibodies, are a growing market, our focus at FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies is broader. We are committed to building trust-based partnerships rather than specializing in specific modalities. Whether its gene therapy, microbial processes, or emerging areas, we adapt to the needs of our partners to create a collaborative "Partners for Life" model.
Is working with small biotechs, in addition to collaborating with big pharma, an essential part of FDB’s business?
Absolutely, small biotechs are a major focus for us. These companies are at the forefront of innovation, while large pharma drives commercial production. Our role is to bridge the two, creating a network where they can collaborate effectively.
Twenty years ago, small biotechs often could not scale or launch independently, as they were quickly absorbed by big pharma. Today, they can partner with CDMOs like us to gain access to the resources and support needed to thrive. We often see our role as a facilitator, whether that means providing small biotechs with the tools to become attractive to large pharma or supporting them through acquisitions. This collaborative platform helps foster innovation and brings immense value to both sides.
Could you expand more on your role as a bridge between biotechs and pharma companies?
While we do not necessarily act as intermediaries, we provide a platform that aligns with the needs of both small biotechs and large pharma. For small biotechs, working with us enhances their attractiveness to big pharma by ensuring they are operating at a high standard, with scalability and quality embedded in their processes.
Big pharma is constantly seeking innovation, often acquiring smaller companies. Through our partnerships, we sometimes see small biotechs we work with acquired during our collaboration. This symbiosis highlights how we act as a bridge, creating an ecosystem where innovation and commercial production coexist seamlessly.
You have been leading the company through a significant global expansion. Could you share more about your growth journey?
Our expansion is rooted in the transformation of FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies since 2019, when we acquired Biogen’s facility in Denmark. This marked a shift from focusing on early-stage, small biotech programs to large-scale commercial operations for big pharma. To succeed in this space, we have invested heavily in infrastructure, creating the capacity and security that large pharmaceutical companies require.
In Denmark, we have just launched the first expansion of our existing facility to meet the increasing demand for large-scale biologic production. In US the first phase of a new facility in Holly Spring will launch in 2025. Clients want to see not just operational facilities but a pipeline of future capacity. These investments signal our long-term commitment to supporting large-scale commercial manufacturing.
How does FDB manage geopolitical challenges, including inflation and shifting global dynamics?
Our investments, largely initiated in 2019 and early 2020, predated the full impact of global events like COVID-19, inflation, and geopolitical shifts. These factors have undeniably increased costs, particularly in regions like the U.S., where market competition has intensified. Despite these challenges, our forward-thinking approach—investing heavily before securing business—positions us as a leader.
This strategy requires not only financial commitment but also leadership and vision to anticipate market evolution. The rising costs and uncertainties have created a unique window of opportunity, as many companies are now turning to CDMOs for large-scale manufacturing rather than building in-house capacity.
Do you plan to expand further, and how do you see the role of CDMOs evolving?
Expansion is central to our strategy. We believe most pharma companies are better off focusing their resources on research and patient care rather than building in-house manufacturing capacity. By providing efficient and reliable manufacturing solutions, we help pharma companies streamline operations.
That said, trust remains crucial. While some pharma companies maintain internal capacity for risk mitigation, the more trust we build, the more willing they are to outsource to us. This dynamic continues to shape the evolution of CDMOs as essential partners in the industry.
Looking ahead, what do you hope to have achieved by this time next year?
By December 2025, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies will be at a pivotal moment. We will have opened our drug product facility in Denmark, a new drug substance facility in Holly Springs, and we will be on track to deliver smaller-scale operations in Japan and the UK. These advancements will solidify our position as a leader with a global, uniform network.
At that point, the industry will no longer see us merely as an ambitious investor but as an organization that is delivering on its promises. Our “Partners for Life” mindset will further distinguish us as a trusted, innovative, and reliable CDMO partner.
