Rentschler Biotechnologie signs partnership agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim

Rentschler Biotechnologie and Boehringer Ingelheim, both leading companies in biopharmaceutical development and production, have signed a preferred partnership agreement.

The co-operation will enable Rentschler Biotechnologie's clients to access Boehringer Ingelheim's large-scale mammalian biopharmaceutical production facilities in Biberach, Germany, while Boehringer Ingelheim's clients will be able to use Rentschler's process development and intermediate-scale clinical supply production facilities.

Through the co-operation clients will benefit from the combined development and manufacturing know-how and facilities, leading to increased flexibility and ultimately more customised services. Compatible bioprocessing methods guarantee a seamless project transfer between the companies, which are conveniently located in close vicinity.

Rentschler Biotechnologie, a full-service contract manufacturer focused on process development and small to medium scale production of mammalian cell-derived biopharmaceuticals, currently operates eight independent GMP lines with fermenter volumes of up to 500 litres. A 2,500-litre fermenter has recently been qualified and is due to start operations.

Boehringer Ingelheim, which offers similar services with technologies optimised for large-scale industrial production, runs one of the world's largest biotech facilities with fermenter volumes of up to 15,000 litres.

"The co-operation with Boehringer Ingelheim will increase the value of our services, as both companies will benefit from the combined expertise and the easy transfer from small/medium to large scale production," said Dr Wieland W. Wolf, vice chairman of the Rentschler Group.