Boston Oncology is investing $70 million to increase capacity for biologics and complex injectables in Saudi Arabia. Lori Hoffman, Head of Business Development, Boston Oncology, provided an update of the expansion at the DCAT Member Company Announcement Forum in DCAT Week.  

The expansion will add 355,000 square feet of production space and increase manufacturing capacity by 75 million units per year. The expansion is in line with Saudi Arabia’s goal to enhance its position as a biopharmaceutical hub for the regions of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and MENA (Middle East and North Africa).  

The investment is part of a broader initiative to localize the production of difficult-to- manufacture therapies, including drug substances for biologics and drug product manufacturing for biosimilars, vaccines, peptides, and complex injectables. This expansion enhances Boston Oncology’s ability to support regional pharmaceutical self-sufficiency, a key objective of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Currently, 77% of pharmaceuticals used in Saudi Arabia are imported.  

The expanded facility will feature seven high-speed sterile injectable production lines, using aseptic manufacturing technology. The facility will support the production of prefilled syringes autoinjector pens, and vials, using advanced GMP fill-finish capabilities. Construction of the expanded facility will begin in the first quarter 2025, with cGMP certification and batch manufacturing expected in the second quarter 2027.  

Boston Oncology’s expansion directly aligns with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s national strategy that includes advancing healthcare self-sufficiency and economic diversification. Beyond capacity expansion, Boston Oncology is investing in local talent development, creating 300+ new positions and expanding its workforce to more than 500 employees. The company is implementing training programs focused on high-precision sterile manufacturing techniques and global regulatory compliance. The company’s localized manufacturing capabilities also qualify products for fast-track regulatory approvals, pricing protection, and multi-year procurement contracts.