Thermo Fisher Scientific and SHL Medical partner to integrate fill-finish, device assembly and packaging at a single US manufacturing site

Thermo Fisher Scientific has announced a strategic collaboration with SHL Medical alongside an expansion of its sterile manufacturing site in Ridgefield, New Jersey, aimed at integrating drug and device production in one location.

The partnership will combine Thermo Fisher’s sterile fill-finish capabilities with SHL Medical’s autoinjector technology, supporting the development and manufacturing of drug-device combination products. The companies said the approach is intended to streamline production processes and reduce complexity in supply chains.

Demand for self-administered injectable therapies continues to increase, particularly in chronic conditions such as autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. In response, Thermo Fisher is expanding its pre-filled syringe fill-finish capacity and adding device assembly capabilities at the Ridgefield site, which it acquired from Sanofi in 2025.

The collaboration will focus on integrating SHL Medical’s Molly autoinjector platform into Thermo Fisher’s manufacturing operations. This includes device assembly, packaging and distribution, with the aim of supporting customers from drug production through to finished combination products.

Michelle Logan, vice president, drug product – steriles, North America, Thermo Fisher, said: “By fully integrating fill-finish with device assembly, we can simplify supply chains, accelerate timelines and ultimately support our customers in delivering critical therapies to patients more efficiently.”

The Ridgefield facility is being positioned as a US hub for sterile manufacturing and device assembly, forming part of Thermo Fisher’s broader network of sites across North America, Europe and Asia. The company said this expansion is intended to increase domestic manufacturing capacity and support pharmaceutical supply chains.

Markus Puusepp, chief growth officer of SHL Medical, said: “By combining SHL Medical’s proven Molly autoinjector platform and global device expertise with Thermo Fisher’s leading sterile fill-finish and commercial manufacturing capabilities, we are creating a powerful, integrated solution.”

While integrated drug-device manufacturing is an established trend, companies are continuing to invest in combined capabilities to reduce handoffs between suppliers and improve speed to market.