Nitto Avecia Inc. (Avecia) is expanding its analytical development and oligonucleotide manufacturing capacities in Milford, MA, as well as drug product capacity in Irvine, CA and analytical development capabilities in Irvine and Marlboro.
 
Avecia, which specializes in nucleic acid manufacturing, is in advanced stages to build a new oligonucleotide drug substance manufacturing facility with additional capacity of more than 1.5mol. Earlier this year, a new 300mmol synthesizer was installed increasing the operational capabilities. In 2017 Avecia’s Milford site will have nearly 3 mol oligonucleotide cGMP synthesis manufacturing capacity operational including aligned downstream assets making it one of the largest cGMP oligonucleotide facilities in the world.
 
Avecia’s president Detlef Rethage, said, “Avecia takes pride that the experience and innovation found within Avecia allows us to bring the new manufacturing units online in a matter of months rather than years.”
 
Analytical development lab and office personal now staff a new 6,500 sq.-ft. facility in Marlboro, which is complemented by Nitto Avecia Pharma Services, a new company created from the acquisition of Irvine Pharmaceutical Services and Avrio Biopharmaceuticals. Nitto Avecia Pharma Services located in Irvine, CA significantly increased Avecia’s analytical capabilities and support of drug product manufacturing.
 
Rethage said, “Nitto Avecia Pharma Services is the perfect complement to our oligonucleotide drug substance services and a key step in our strategic growth plans. Avecia Group now offers manufacturing and development services on the East Coast, West Coast and in the Midwest at our Cincinnati facility.” 
 
Avecia anticipates adding many new positions during the next three months, specializing in microbiology, analytical chemistry, manufacturing, quality assurance and engineering.