The latest news from CDMOs, CMOs, and suppliers featuring news from MilliporeSigma, Sekisui Diagnostics, TriPharm Services, ACG Inspection, and Bormioli Pharma.

Biologics Manufacturing

MilliporeSigma To Use Acoustic Technology for Cell Therapy Mfg

MilliporeSigma has acquired FloDesign Sonics, a Massachusetts-based developer of an acoustic cell-processing platform used for the industrialization of cell and gene therapy manufacturing.

Acoustic cell processing is a technology that allows for the manipulation of cells with ultrasonic waves. FloDesign Sonics’ platform allows enhanced cell washing and concentration for manufacturing cell therapies.

MilliporeSigma says its acquisition of FloDesign Sonics supports the industrialization of the manufacturing of autologous cell therapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapies.

Source: MilliporeSigma

Sekisui Diagnostics Invests $1.9 Million in New Bioprocessing Innovation Center

Sekisui Diagnostics, a provider of enzymes and contract process development and biomanufacturing services, reports that it expects to complete a new BioProcess Innovation Center at its site in Maidstone, Kent, UK by the end of 2019, following a $1.9-million-investment.

The new BioProcess Innovation Center will more than double its development laboratory space to facilitate process transfer and development. Previously part of Genzyme Diagnostics, Sekisui Diagnostics’ Enzyme business launched its Microbial Biopharma CDMO service offering, BioProduction by Sekisui, in 2017. The group’s expertise is in the production of enzymes; however, its capabilities are also suitable for plasmids, antibody fragments, and other protein production.

With production capabilities from 20 liters to 5,000 liters, Sekisui handles projects from preclinical development through to commercialization.

Source: Sekisui Diagnostics

Formulation/Drug Product Manufacturing

ACG Inspection to Open a Center of Excellence in Switzerland

ACG Inspection, a division of ACG, a provider of capsules, films and foils, engineering services, and inspection systems, is opening a new Center of Excellence in Switzerland. The office will be the headquarters for logistics, development, data, service support, FAT and project management for ACG Inspections in Europe.

The center will incorporate technologies, such as brand protection, geo-location identification, process analytical technology, industrial internet of things, temperature monitoring, inspection 4.0 (artificial intelligence-powered), and end-to-end authentication. The company will be moving in a new business and assembly premises for Europe of about 1,000 square meters. This facility is expected to be ready by the end of 2020.

In addition to its Switzerland base, ACG Inspection has an Experience Studio in Moscow, Russia, which opened earlier this year (January 2019).

Source: ACG Inspection

TriPharm Services Commissions Pharmaceutical Mfg Center

TriPharm Services, a CDMO of parenteral drugs, is commissioning a new specialized manufacturing operation with isolator manufacturing equipment. The center specializes in injectable pharmaceutical capabilities for liquid and lyophilized products.

The facility in Morrisville, North Carolina totals 32,000 square feet and will offer four isolator filling suites and a high level of control for Grade A processing of client biologic and small-molecule products. The facility has eight multi-purpose cleanrooms to support manufacturing operations, along with specialized utility systems to scale to client requirements.

The equipment and facility are set to be fully operable in the second quarter of 2020.

Source: TriPharm Services 

Packaging

Bormioli Pharma Completes Acquisition of German Plastic and Glass Company

Bormioli Pharma, a provider of pharmaceutical packaging, has completed its acquisition of Remy & Geiser GmbH, a German plastic and primary glass packaging company for the pharmaceutical industry.

Remy & Geiser develops, manufactures and sells dosing systems, pipette droppers, and tubular glass vials. The company employs approximately 270 people and operates two plants in Germany (Schleusingen and Altenfeld).

Source: Bormioli Pharma