Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. opened its High Quality (HQ) Plasmid DNA Centre of Excellence at Bruntwood SciTech’s Alderley Park in Cheshire, UK.
 
The expansion follows the company’s acquisition of Cognate BioServices and Cobra Biologics, a pioneering plasmid DNA, viral vector, and cell therapy contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), in March 2021. According to the company, with turnaround times from 48 hours for off-the-shelf products to custom HQ plasmid DNA manufacturing services within five weeks or more, the expansion both accelerates and safeguards future supply for cell and gene therapy developers.
 
The new 16,000 sq.-ft. facility is part of Charles River’s efforts to expand its end-to-end capabilities in cell and gene therapy development, adding to a growing global network that will help fast-track processes. Specifically, the new site, and the addition of three new manufacturing streams, will enable the company to quadruple its HQ plasmid DNA capacity to address global supply shortages and support therapeutic developers through rapid access to material.
 
“Our team has had decades of success developing, producing, and reliably delivering plasmid DNA, which ensures customers are in safe hands. Alderley Park is an impressive life sciences hub with a thriving ecosystem and Charles River is excited to be a part of the community,” said Nick Smith, Site Director, Alderley Park, Charles River.