Rentschler Biotechnologie has started operation of a 2,500 L multi-process production suite for its bio-CMO operations. The company now has nine stand-alone GMP suites with volumes of 30, 250, 500 and 2,500 liters, allowing the production of material for clinical trials as well as commercial supply.

The new bioreactor is designed such that batch, fed-batch, or perfusion cell culture processes can be run. Protein purification is performed in two suites for pre- and post-virus inactivation, respectively.

The global market for biopharmaceutical products is growing constantly and rapidly. As a consequence, since 2002, Rentschler Biotechnologie has invested more than 70 million Euros to enhance its production capacities, while tripling its workforce since 2001 to 350.

Sigma-Aldrich has entered into a five-year collaboration to develop optimal cell lines for the production of monoclonal antibodies. Scientists at the University of California, San Francisco will lead the research into antibodies for a variety of cancer targets, autoimmune diseases, stem cell characteristics and commonly neglected disease targets, according to a company statement.

Under the terms of the agreement, research targets will be determined by a steering committee composed of leading scientists at UCSF, including Lewis Lanier, Ph.D. Professor and Vice Chair, Department of Microbiology & Immunology; Jeffrey Bluestone, Ph.D. Director, UCSF Diabetes Center; and Susan Fisher, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Cell & Tissue Biology. The committee will direct research into antibodies for cancer targets, stem cell surface markers and autoimmune disease targets. The University will have free access to the antibodies resulting from the partnership for its ongoing immunology and disease research.

"Sigma-Aldrich is committed to developing the most comprehensive and highly validated collection of monoclonal antibodies available for the cell biology research community," said Dr. David Smoller, President of Sigma-Aldrich's Research Biotech Business Unit. "By partnering with the highly regarded UCSF research team, Sigma-Aldrich is helping to further promote the study of a number of important cancer targets, regenerative medicine applications and neglected diseases."

Sigma-Aldrich is expanding its antibody content offering as part of its plan to become a leading developer and manufacturer of the next generation of monoclonal antibody products for life science researchers. Earlier this year, the company announced a partnership to distribute the highly-validated Prestige antibodies powered by Atlas Antibodies, the commercial arm of the Human Proteome Resource. The company is also collaborating with AbD Serotec, a Division of MorphoSys, to design, produce and distribute unique recombinant research antibodies using MorphoSys's proprietary HuCAL GOLD technology.

India-based Intas Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. has acquired Biologics Process Development, based in Poway, CA. With the acquisition process underway, both Intas Biopharma and BPD are actively pursuing plans to work closely toward fulfillment of common business objectives in the area of biologics Contract Research and Manufacturing Services (CRAMS), according to an Intas statement.

This acquisition is intended to facilitate Intas Biopharma’s foray into the U.S. market especially to expand its CRAMS business. Dr. Scott M. Brown, founder, president and chief scientific officer of BPD, will continue as president and chief scientific officer.

Intas Biopharma’s venture into the CRAMS business has opened up new vistas for R&D in the area of biopharmaceuticals and biosimilars, according to the company. Dr. Dhananjay Patankar, Intas' chief technology officer, commented, "IBPL has taken up the CRAMS opportunity in the biotechnology space as a focus area with tremendous potential and is preparing to scale up its facilities. IBPL offers a unique business model for offshore clients, providing competitive advantages in terms of developing new biotech products, technology transfer and contract manufacturing in a seamless manner and at committed costs, quality, and time."

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