- Novartis completes a EUR 40 million investment with the opening of the viral vector production facility, bringing new technology to Slovenia to support the production of breakthrough cell and gene therapies.
- VIFA One, a specialized viral vector production facility, represents the first step by Novartis in viral vector production in Europe and significantly expands the research and production capabilities of Novartis in Slovenia.
- The investment strengthens the position of Novartis in Slovenia as the largest and most advanced biotechnology center in the country and confirms the key role of Slovenia in the global network of Novartis.
Ljubljana, February 5, 2025 – Novartis in Slovenia today officially opened the new viral vector production facility (VIFA One) in Mengeš. The opening event was attended by the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation of the Republic of Slovenia, Igor Papič, PhD, as the keynote speaker. With this EUR 40 million investment, Novartis significantly expands its research and production capabilities in the biopharmaceutical sector and strengthens Slovenia's key role within one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies.
The specialized VIFA One facility will support the production of viral vectors for breakthrough cell and gene therapies for the treatment of certain autoimmune and genetic diseases and cancers. The fully automated production environment will ensure precision and efficiency at all stages of the production process under one roof, using advanced robotics. The state-of-the-art methodology introduced by VIFA One not only sets a new industry standard but also significantly increases the capabilities of Novartis to deliver breakthrough therapies while meeting the highest quality standards for each product produced.
Novartis began building the specialized facility in Mengeš in 2023. The facility, which strengthens the capabilities of the largest industrial center of modern innovative biotechnology in Slovenia, represents a significant gain for both the Slovenian economy and the scientific community. Igor Papič, PhD, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation of the Republic of Slovenia, emphasized at the opening: "Novartis investments, which are among the leading foreign direct investments in the country, have made a significant contribution to the development of Slovenian science over the past two decades. I am pleased that Novartis is successfully cooperating with universities and scientific research institutions, and that it places great emphasis on developing young talent and transferring knowledge into practice. Cooperation between business and science and, a stimulating scientific research and innovation environment, which is also supported by the State with generous funding, are key to the successful development of Slovenian society. They also create an environment that will be even more attractive to foreign investment."
Slovenia strengthens its role within Novartis
The Slovenian locations in Ljubljana and Mengeš support more than half of Novartis priority medicines in various stages of development, production, or services. "Slovenian experts significantly contribute to technological advancement and innovation in the research, development, and production of Novartis innovative medicines, addressing the greatest health challenges in society. Their knowledge, expertise, and achievements have been recognized and valued by Novartis from the very beginning and represent the fundamental reason for continuous further investments in Slovenia. One of these is the new viral vector production facility, which, as the only such Novartis production facility in Europe, has significant strategic value," highlighted Steffen Lang, PhD, Member of the Executive Committee, and President, Operations.
At the opening of the new viral vector production facility, Petra Štefanič Anderluh, PhD, General Manager of Novartis LLC, emphasized: "Our location in Mengeš has a long tradition of developing and producing biologics. Today, Mengeš represents the largest center for modern innovative biotechnology in Slovenia, closely collaborating with Slovenian academic and research institutions. The key part of our success is our employees, who contribute daily to fulfilling our mission with their exceptional knowledge, dedication, and curiosity. I am proud that with the opening of the viral vector production facility, we are further strengthening our competencies in biotechnology."
Since entering the Slovenian market, Novartis has invested around EUR 3.5 billion in Slovenia, primarily directed towards research, development, and production capacities, and sustainable environmental technologies. Currently, investments totaling around €500 million are underway at the locations in Ljubljana and Mengeš furthering the growth of Novartis in Slovenia.