Vetter invests in additional lyophilisation capacity

Published: 16-Jun-2011

Aseptic filling specialist increases number of freeze-dryers by 30%


Vetter, a German specialist in aseptic filling, has installed three additional state-of-the-art lyophilisers at its Ravensburg Vetter South facility, increasing the number of freeze-dryers across all plants by 30%. In total, the site will be able to produce up to 24 million lyophilised units annually.

The company says it made the investment to meet anticipated future demand for aseptically filled biologics and other sensitive compounds, which often require lyophilisation to prolong shelf life and potency. According to the US FDA, in the last three years, more than 30% of all new drugs approved in the US were lyophilised and experts predict continued growth.

Vetter introduced freeze-drying services in 1981 and developed the innovative dual-chamber technology, used by the Vetter Lyo-Ject syringe and V-LK cartridge, to reconstitute lyophilised compounds. With this technology, lyophilised drug resides in one chamber with the diluent in the other. Just prior to administration, the diluent is pushed through a channel between the two chambers to reconstitute the drug. In addition to ease of use, the closed system supports more accurate dosing and increased API yield, the firm says.

‘We anticipate substantial growth in the demand for lyophilised compounds,’ said Peter Soelkner, managing director at Vetter. ‘They have become pivotal components of the portfolio and strategy of many pharmaceutical and biotech companies, which are continuously developing new drugs in this segment.

‘In turn, as a strategic partner to our clients, we continuously invest in the infrastructure and equipment needed to support their needs in commercial manufacturing.’

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