AbbVie Martillac (MBM) is a biologics drug substance manufacturing plant in the Bordeaux region of France for both pipeline development and commercial manufacturing. Martillac (MBM) has end to end capabilities for biologics drug substance manufacturing; from development through GMP manufacturing.
Site Spotlight - AbbVie Martillac Manufacturing Facility
Fun Fact: Although MBM was established in 1987, the site became a part of the AbbVie network in 2025
Highlights
- Dedicated facilities within the Martillac campus
- Two manufacturing suites (each with 2x2kL bioreactors and downstream train)
- Single-use technology
- QC testing for IPC and DS
- OCM Capacity
Key Products
- Supports key pipeline biologics programs
- Contact manufacturing programs for external clients
- Launch and assurance of supply for commercial products
MBM is the second AbbVie manufacturing site in France, following the sterile fill site in Pringy.
Fun Fact: Martillac is a small village in the Bordeaux wine region of France, famous for being the birthplace of vinotherapy.
MBM in the Global Network
AbbVie Martillac is a strategic player in the global manufacturing network. By making internal and external, along with clinical and commercial products, MBM supports the AbbVie network from many angles. As the only mAb manufacturing site across our European locations, it supports assurance of supply planning and development efforts across the globe.
Supply Chain
Prior to MBM, the AbbVie network had various site across Europe—but no BDS! When it comes to identifying where we manufacture, what we manufacture, and how it moves, MBM became a critical piece of the puzzle in our Biologics manufacturing to fill the gap of BDS in the European region.
Operations Contract Manufacturing
In addition to supporting the AbbVie internal pipeline, MBM also supports AbbVie contract manufacturing. MBM complements the existing biologics network by adding both 2,000 L scale bioreactors and an EU-based manufacturing site.
Fun Fact: The biologics region at AbbVie is comprised of Martillac (MBM), Worcester (ABC), Puerto Rico (ABL), Singapore (ABS3), and Irvine (BLI).
More than Just Manufacturing!
Development & Scale-Up – MBM has 1200m2 of labs used for process and analytical development on site, including 3L & 200L single-use bioreactors.
GMP Manufacturing – The site has a 2700m2 manufacturing facility comprised of two GMP manufacturing suites, with 1x200L and 2x2000L reactors and full dedicated downstream trains for each suite. Manufacturing spans across formulation, clinical DS, and commercial DS.
QC Testing – MBM operates 1,600 m2 of QC testing labs to support manufacturing. An upcoming "Flex Lab" will add automation, cell-based assays, bioassay, ELISA testing, and expanded drug product capacity— enhancing biologics capabilities and operational scalability.