Sartorius Stedim Biotech and SAFC Biosciences bring disposable factory nearer

Sartorius Stedim Biotech (SSB) and SAFC Biosciences have signed an agreement that combines SSB's expertise in filtration and liquid handling systems with SAFC's skill in the manufacture of cell culture media and purification products.

SSB is headquartered in Aubagne, France and has its key manufacturing and r&d site in Germany. Its integrated solutions cover fermentation, filtration, purification, fluid management and lab technologies.

The companies will combine their expertise in generating application data on filter and mixing performance with critical purification buffers and cell culture media. Similarly, extractable and leachable data will be generated with buffers and media, and filters and biobag combinations.

SAFC also expects to use SSB technology for storage and mixing of cell culture media to optimise its fluid/powder handling systems.

Reinhard Vogt, executive vice president SSB, said the agreement is a "milestone" in expanding the full potential of single-use technologies for the benefit of the biopharmaceutical industry.

"This additional capability is instrumental for offering fully integrated cell culture media storage and mixing solutions. With this agreement, we are moving one step closer to the reality of a "totally disposable factory" with integrated technologies and control systems."