On September 23, ten23 health, a Swiss contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), hosted the grand opening of its VIVA2 facility in Visp, Switzerland.
 
The newly constructed VIVA2 facility is both advanced and energy-efficient. It will provide significant capacity for commercial, as well as clinical fill/finish of vials, syringes and cartridges, in combination with dedicated Quality Control microbiology labs and related office space.
 
The two additional sterile manufacturing lines include Line 2, a large-scale commercial and clinical filling line for ready-to-use (RTU) primary packaging for syringes, cartridges and vials; and Line 3, a clinical to commercial bulk vial filling facility, including two larger-scale freeze driers (lyophilizers). The combined output is estimated to be 30 to 70 million units.
 
ten23’s Line 2 is an 8-headed filling machine and scale-up version of Line 1. Both lines are based on Class C isolator technology and utilize filling with automated robots, and peristaltic and piston pumps. This enables optimal processing and controls, including 100% fill weight control, and ultra-high fill and stopper setting precision for syringes and cartridges. The technology means that filling is effectively headspace-free, and container-to-container contact is avoided. ten23 can process glass or polymer containers and has experience of processing ultra-viscous formulations such as for subcutaneous or intravitreal use.
 
In line with the company’s commitment to sustainability and the environment, the building generates enough energy to continuously meet its own demands (and provide surplus energy to the grid), with a cutting-edge facade completely covered with solar (photovoltaic) panels.
 
The expansion will also offer employment opportunities in the Valais area, supporting the development of the region as one of the leading pharmaceutical hubs in Switzerland.
  
Prof. Dr. Hanns-Christian Mahler, CEO of ten23 health, said: “I am proud and excited about the VIVA2 Facility Grand Opening. This is the start of something great, and VIVA2’s capabilities for sterile manufacturing will be a key opportunity to supply essential medicines to patients.”