Boehringer-Ingelheim Developing World’s Largest Vaccine Production Facility

Boehringer Ingelheim is developing a biotechnology production site for veterinary vaccines in Europe.  A groundbreaking ceremony last month marked the start of construction on the site that may become the largest vaccine production facility in the world.

According to the company, the 200-million-euro investment will significantly increase production capacities for antigens and vaccines against highly contagious diseases, providing the means to fight animal epidemics that often have dramatic health and financial consequences, such as foot-and-mouth disease and bluetongue disease, according to the company.  The high-security facility will begin operating in France during the third quarter of 2022.

Its five floors will be home to 35 cell and virus culture tanks, a purification area, a decontamination station and a strategic active ingredient reserve. The antigen bank will enable the company to “quickly and efficiently respond” to government orders in case of an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease or bluetongue disease. Boehringer Ingelheim is the second largest animal health business in the world.

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