Mengeš, Slovenia – Novartis has proudly opened its latest fully automated viral vector manufacturing facility in Mengeš, Slovenia, marking a significant step in the company’s strategy to bolster its cell and gene therapy capabilities across Europe.

This new facility brings Novartis’s total investment in the country to approximately $3.6 billion (€3.5 billion), underscoring the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the healthcare industry.

Innovative Facility: VIFA One

The construction of the VIFA One facility began in 2023, representing a pioneering move in viral vector production within Europe. Designed to enhance speed and flexibility, the facility will support the development and manufacture of viral vectors for cutting-edge therapies targeting cancer and other diseases.

VIFA One features a fully automated production environment capable of managing viral vector production across various scales at a single site. This capability positions Novartis as a leader in gene and cell therapy technologies, ensuring efficient and scalable solutions for complex therapeutic needs.

Strengthening European Operations

Novartis operates multiple facilities in Slovenia, with investments totaling approximately $500 million (€516 million) in the Ljubljana and Mengeš sites. This expansion not only strengthens Novartis’s operational footprint in the region but also enhances their ability to deliver transformative therapies globally.

About Novartis

A global healthcare leader, Novartis is dedicated to discovering new ways to improve and extend people’s lives. Made up of a diverse team, the company leverages advanced science and technology to address some of society’s most challenging healthcare issues.