Crucell N.V. is acquiring Xcellerex, Inc.’s FlexFactory bioproduction line and multiple XDR single-use bioreactors as part of its effort to expand capacity and flexibility of its manufacturing capabilities. The project will deliver new, validated clinical manufacturing capacity at Crucell’s operations in Leiden, The Netherlands during 1Q10. Financial terms were not disclosed.

“The FlexFactory purchase is an important part of our product development strategy as we build capacity to support our growing pipeline of vaccines and therapeutic antibodies for infectious diseases,” commented Dr. Cees de Jong, chief operating officer at Crucell. “In addition to coming on line rapidly, the FlexFactory platform has great potential to increase our operational efficiency based on its flexibility for multi-drug production, use of disposables, and reduced operating expenses.”

Xcellerex president and chief executive officer Joseph Zakrzewski commented, “Crucell is the world’s largest independent vaccine manufacturer and a growing infectious disease company. The company’s FlexFactory purchase is a major endorsement of our manufacturing and development platform.”

The FlexFactory is based on the application of single-use technologies, controlled environmental modules (CEMs), and process automation including electronic batch records. Xcellerex will provide support and training services as well as contract manufacturing services to help accelerate Crucell’s deployment efforts. The FlexFactory line will be assembled, tested, and operated at Xcellerex for protocol development and simultaneous operator training. Xcellerex may also complete engineering and/or GMP manufacturing runs for Crucell before transplanting the modular FlexFactory line to the Leiden facility for site validation and start-up.