When Novo Nordisk decided to build a new facility dedicated to the production of haemophilia medicine, the company turned to NNE Pharmaplan for its innovative approach to design and engineering. The plant needed to be an integrated facility for mammalian cell fermentation, recovery and purification.

Demonstrating global leadership
The facility was built as a fast-track project in 18 months using modular engineering – including comprehensive parallel construction of independent process modules and off-site testing of each process module. The result was a groundbreaking facility that initiated a modular engineering approach with customised solutions for the life sciences industry.

Once the facility was complete, it soon became a candidate for the prestigious Facility of the Year Award. The award is given to a pharmaceutical manufacturer with a facility project that demonstrates global leadership – through cutting-edge engineering, innovative new technology or advanced applications of existing technology.

Powerful example of modern modular engineering and design
The candidacy of the NovoSeven® facility was based on the following features:

• Designed to support the fast-track modular approach
• Met an undefined demand for a life-saving drug by including a modular designed, expandable production area
• Characterised by simplicity and transparency to ensure a safe working environment

The facility was chosen among 28 outstanding pharmaceutical facilities from five continents. The nine-member judging panel chose the NovoSeven® plant as the winner for several reasons: “Creative design within a super fast-track timeline for project execution, application of modular engineering for greater control and flexibility, and dramatic and pleasing architectural features throughout the facility.”

The plant is now helping Novo Nordisk lead the way in breakthrough medicines for the treatment of haemophilia, as well as inspiring the construction of similarly innovative facilities.