Vetter, a provider of aseptic pre-filled drug-delivery systems, andSentry BioPharma Services, a provider of supply chain management and clinical packaging services, have signed a preferred partnership agreement. Vetter will fill early-stage, high-value biopharmaceuticals at its Chicago facility and Sentry will label, package and ship the clinical supplies from its Indianapolis site. The collaboration is an effort to streamline the path of study drugs from filling lab to clinic while safeguarding product integrity.

Peter Soelkner, Vetter managing director, said, “Our partnership with Sentry affirms our mutual commitment to helping clients get high-quality products to market quickly and efficiently. It also affirms Vetter’s commitment to the North American market.”

Vetter’s Chicago facility, which focuses on preclinical to Phase II projects, is the company’s first outside of Germany and is an expansion of its development service. It will be operational in 4Q10.

“We’re proud to partner with Vetter,” said Jennifer Marcum Sentry’s chief executive officer. “Both of our companies share the same dedication to the quality and safety of our clients’ products.” Sentry was recently awarded a contract by The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) to store and distribute influenza vaccine for the U.S. National Strategic Reserve. “In addition, we’re both privately held companies with central U.S. locations allowing rapid response to industry needs and accessibility to clients across North America.”