An atmosphere of cooperation

The United States Flu Cell Culture facility was specifically designed for the dual purpose of manufacturing both the annual influenza vaccine during normal operations and the option to expand to enhanced manufacturing in the case of an influenza pandemic. Originally designed and constructed through a public/private partnership between the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and Novartis, and subsequently purchased by Seqirus, the facility has the capability to produce cell-based seasonal flu vaccine, pre-pandemic vaccine, and 150 million doses of vaccine within six months of the declaration of a pandemic.

Responding to health crises of such proportions requires facilities that are both highly efficient and flexible. Flad designed the new quality control, testing, and administration building with BSL-2 labs that could be quickly and easily transformed to BSL-3 containment spaces. The facility includes common spaces such as shared entrance, dining, conference, and training areas in order to encourage communication, camaraderie, and cohesion between the quality control and quality assurance departments. These features not only expedite vaccine production, but they create an atmosphere of cooperation in pursuit of a vital goal.

The entire USFCC facility was honored by the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) with their 2013 Facility of the Year Award for Process Innovation, in addition to being named ISPE's overall Facility of the Year Award winner.