WuXi AppTec has opened its cGMP biologics manufacturing facility in Wuxi, China and hosted its first Global Monoclonal Antibody Summit in conjunction with the opening. The company has invested in growing its capabilities and capacity in biologics in the past few years. The manufacturing facility in Wuxi is the first in China to meet GMP standards of the U.S., EU and China, and uses 100% disposable equipment for biologics drug substance manufacturing.

“The establishment of this cGMP biologics facility has greatly improved WuXi’s services in biologics manufacturing and further showcases our commitment to global clients,” said Dr. Ge Li, chairman and chief executive officer of WuXi AppTec. “WuXi is determined to provide world-class services for anyone conducting research in biologics discovery, development and manufacturing including multinational and Chinese pharmaceutical and biotech companies.”

The company recently announced contracts with Open Monoclonal Technology to use OmniRat to develop human antibodies, a contract with TaiMed Biologics to produce the HIV compound ibalizumab for global Phase II and III trials, and a joint venture with MedImmune to develop MEDI5117, an IL-6 inhibitor for rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune disorders in China.

Dr. Martin Mackay, president of R&D at AstraZeneca, attended the opening ceremony and stressed that the joint venture with WuXi will help both companies bring benefit to patients. He remarked, “No single company has all the solutions to the healthcare challenges of today. That’s why collaborations such as our joint venture with WuXi AppTec are so important. Our mutual ambition is to greatly increase the number of people who ultimately benefit from our medicines.”