SGS plans to invest in a new facility in Berlin, Germany, to expand its R&D / QC testing, and to offer new analytical services to clients. The labs are scheduled to open mid-2017 and will replace the current 2,500 sq.-m. facility, which was opened in 1985, and offers analytical services to pharma and related industries.
 
The lab will operate under cGMP and has the potential to expand the workforce and capacity by one-third. Its construction has been triggered by increased demand in stability testing, the handling of cytotoxic substances for oncology drug products, elemental impurity testing according to USP, USP , ICH Q3D (Step 4), particle testing and container testing according to USP and Ph.Eur.
 
“The Berlin facility has always had a core expertise in stability testing of drug products, but the forecasted demand in this area means investment is crucial for SGS to maintain current and future client relationships,” commented Dr. Sheida Hoenlinger, Director, Life Sciences Germany. “The new facility also gives the opportunity to expand in important growth areas like oncology drug products and stability studies.”
 
This investment follows the recent opening of a new facility in Wiesbaden, Germany, as a dedicated Global Center of Excellence for the testing of extractables and leachables for pharmaceutical products.