A roundup of the latest news from suppliers, contract development and manufacturing organizations and contract manufacturing organizations, featuring Catalent Pharma Solutions and ABL.

Biologics manufacturing

ABL Expands Viral Vector Manufacturing Capacity
ABL, a contract manufacturing organization (CMO) of protein-based therapies, vaccines, and aseptic filling, has acquired a 6,500-square meter GMP manufacturing site in Lyon, France through its subsidiary, ABL Europe. ABL Europe provides viral vector GMP CMO services for oncolytic, vaccine, and gene- therapy projects in all stages of clinical development through to commercial launch. ABL also has contract development and virus manufacturing operations in Strasbourg, France and Rockville, Maryland.

Formerly operated under Accinov, the team led by Operations Director Stephanie Colloud have transitioned to ABL with additional recruitment supporting suite and lab alterations, equipment procurement and qualification with contract services for process transfer, development and GMP manufacturing of viral vectors to begin  in Lyon from the end of the fourth quarter of 2018. The site offers 3 x 200 square meters of  GMP suites with grade B and C classification cleanrooms, plus several self-contained laboratory and office areas providing process development and analytical support.

Source: ABL

Packaging 

Catalent Invests $14 Million To Expand Biologics Packaging Capabilities
Catalent Pharma Solutions is investing nearly $14 million to expand biologics packaging capabilities and capacity at its biologics manufacturing facility in Bloomington, Indiana,

Construction of the 15,000-square-foot facility infrastructure, which will include five new packaging suites and a new quality control laboratory, is due to be completed in February 2019, with installation and commissioning of new equipment to be phased throughout the year. This will include both a semi-automated and fully-automated top loading cartoner, an accessorized combination syringe assembly machine, an automated auto-injector assembly machine, and two semi-automatic visual inspection machines.

Source: Catalent Pharma Solutions