SAFC Biosciences and Celltrion to optimise cell culture processes
The capabilities of two leading suppliers to the global biopharmaceutical industry are to be combined in a collaboration aimed at optimising cell culture processes.
The capabilities of two leading suppliers to the global biopharmaceutical industry are to be combined in a collaboration aimed at optimising cell culture processes.
As part of the two-year programme, South Korean-based biopharma business Celltrion will employ SAFC Biosciences" development services with the aim of increasing clone productivity and making the production of ingredients more economical. In addition, both companies have also agreed to mutually develop risk management strategies, ensuring the uninterrupted supply of critical cell culture reagents.
Discussions surrounding this newly-announced collaboration, which the companies view as a prelude to a likely long-term Supply Agreement for cell culture reagents, began in 2006. SAFC, a leading provider of cell culture materials and development services for upstream and downstream processes in the biopharmaceutical industry, based in Lenexa, Kansas, has previously worked with Celltrion. Then, it was involved in the provision of media development support through its imMEDIAte ADVANTAGE programme.
SAFC Biosciences president, Rod Kelley, said: "This agreement combines the capabilities of two leading suppliers to the global biopharmaceutical industry, bringing powerful resources to bear on the high cost of manufacturing pharmaceuticals critical to improving the lives of so many."
Jung-Jin Seo, ceo of Celltrion, said: "We are pleased to establish this partnership with SAFC Biosciences. Both companies have strong expertise in cell culture and through their combined knowledge, Celltrion will improve its productivity and development capabilities to best serve its commitment to satisfying global manufacturing services."
SAFC is a member of the Sigma-Aldrich Group.
