Takeda Dunboyne Biologics has entered into a collaboration with Applied Process Company (APC) in Dublin, to design, optimize and deliver scale-independent process improvements for Takeda’s portfolio of biologics-based medicines for rare diseases.
 
The companies completed their first partnership program in June, which used advanced computational, fluid-dynamic models to better understand and characterize the process equipment at Takeda’s biologics facility in Dunboyne, Co. Meath. Takeda took official ownership of the new facility in June. This ‘paperless’ facility is designed with single-use technology to manufacture antibody and enzyme-based therapies for rare diseases.   
 
The collaboration comes ahead of the planned manufacturing in early 2020 and aims to identify process improvement opportunities within Takeda’s rare disease portfolio. The collaboration will leverage APC’s Model predictive control, using Process Analytical Technologies to enable real-time control of complex processes through a continuous feedback loop within the electronic manufacturing control system; and Informatics, working across teams to build powerful informatics tools that interrogate data and convert it into valuable information.
 
Susan Hynes, vice president and site lead, Takeda Dunboyne Biologics, said, “We are excited about this partnership with APC and how our work together will accelerate the development of Takeda’s science and technology capabilities in our new biologics facility in Dunboyne. Takeda and APC share a strong cultural belief that employees must be empowered with all relevant information to ensure informed decision making and to work together towards a shared process improvement goal.”
 
Mark Barrett, chief executive officer APC, said, “This partnership represents a significant milestone in the APC and Takeda relationship. Through our innovative platforms (BioACHIEVE), and a world-class team of engineers and scientists, APC strives to help its partners accelerate the development and launch of their medicines.  Seeing the development of the APC and Takeda partnership along this value chain is incredibly pleasing for all involved.”