The interior of JHL Biotech's KUBio biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Wuhan, Hubei Province Photo: Courtesy of JHL Biotech

JHL Biotech opened the world's first KUBio biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Wuhan, Hubei Province on May 10, marking an important milestone in China's biopharmaceutical industry.

The facility, which was jointly built with General Electric's GE Healthcare, was opened at the Wuhan Optical Valley Software Park in the Wuhan Donghu New Technology Development Zone.

After being put into operation, the facility will manufacture biosimilars and monoclonal antibodies, as well as provide process development and manufacturing services for JHL's global customer base.

It is the first modular biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility worldwide that is in line with international standards, as well as the biggest facility on the Chinese mainland that manufactures monoclonal antibody drugs using cutting-edge technologies.

 In 2015, approximately 4.3 million new cancer cases were reported in China. Biosimilars are widely considered an important way to fight against major diseases such as cancer and diabetes.

The biosimilars market is expected to grow significantly in China, reaching approximately $350 million in 2019.

KUBio refers to a highly innovative biopharmaceutical manufacturing "turnkey" approach developed by GE Healthcare.

It combines world-class, cutting-edge technology with versatile ready-to-use biotechnology facilities in line with international standards Current Good Manufacture Practice.

The facility, using the KUBio method, can effectively reduce the cost of biological medicine production and assist pharmaceutical manufacturers in speeding up manufacturing and launching new medicines, so as to save more lives worldwide.

Racho Jordanov, the CEO and co-founder of JHL Biotech, said JHL is committed to bringing more affordable and effective biological medicines to patients.

"Why the company chose to establish the facility in China was that we have seen Asia, particularly China, as a promising market more than a market with huge demands," said Jordanov. "KUBio biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility with GE Healthcare's modular biopharmaceutical overall solution accelerates the launching of biological medicines to provide better service for patients."

Advances in diagnostics are leading to an increase in biopharmaceuticals capability and scale to address challenging diseases precisely and effectively. Of the top 10 therapeutics available today, seven are biopharmaceuticals.

John Flannery, the president and CEO of GE Healthcare said his company "has always paid attention to the actual needs of customers and markets" and has worked to develop the global biopharmaceutical industry by implementing precise healthcare mechanisms through innovative technologies and solutions.

 "We provide a more rapid, efficient and complete "turnkey" approach in the cooperation with JHL," Flannery said. "This means that JHL is able to provide the market with high-quality pharmaceuticals, respond to a real market need faster and offer service to our customers more efficiently."