MilliporeSigma Launches New Biosafety Testing Facility
BURLINGTON, Mass. – MilliporeSigma, the U.S. and Canada Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, proudly announces the opening of its latest biosafety testing facility, representing a substantial investment of €290 million. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to cater to the growing global demand for biosafety testing, an integral part of drug development.
Significance of the New Facility
The establishment of this facility marks the largest investment in contract testing in the company’s history. Benjamin Hein, Head of Life Science Services at MilliporeSigma, shared, "This expansion reflects our commitment to enhancing our clients' experiences through innovative platforms that meet the increasing demand for safety in pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals."
Consolidation for Enhanced Efficiency
The facility, covering an impressive 23,000-square meters, consolidates several labs that were previously distributed across four separate buildings. This integration fosters increased collaboration among scientists and promotes higher levels of automation and digitalization, which aims to optimize testing processes.
Advanced Testing Capabilities
The new site boasts cutting-edge testing capabilities that include a rapid methods package. This innovative package is particularly tailored to accelerate virus testing for bulk harvest materials. Notably, this facility features the first inclusion of the Blazar CHO Animal Origin Free (AOF) panel, a precision tool aimed at detecting various virus families efficiently.
Faster and More Efficient Testing
When utilizing the Blazar CHO AOF panel alongside assays for mycoplasma, retrovirus-like particles, and sterility, results can be achieved in a swift 14 days, drastically improving the timeline compared to traditional methods, which could take up to 35 days. This advancement is a game-changer in bringing life-saving therapies to market quicker.
Commitment to Quality and Innovation
MilliporeSigma is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of quality through its diverse multi-modality testing portfolio. This initiative includes not only the Blazar CHO AOF panel but also the newly launched Aptegra™ platform, recognized as the first all-encompassing, validated genetic stability assay.
Global Network and Investments
Over the past five years, the Life Science business of Merck KGaA has made significant strides in expanding its biosafety testing capabilities worldwide. Their global network extends across key locations, including sites in Shanghai, China; Singapore; Stirling; Glasgow, UK; and Rockville, MD. This extensive reach is critical in meeting the diverse needs of clients.
About MilliporeSigma
The Life Science sector of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, operates as MilliporeSigma in the U.S. and Canada. With over 27,000 employees and around 55 facilities dedicated to manufacturing and testing globally, MilliporeSigma provides an expansive portfolio of more than 300,000 products focused on scientific discovery, testing services, and biomanufacturing. A leader in science and technology, the company aims to create innovative solutions to advance healthcare and life sciences.
Corporate Overview
With a workforce of approximately 63,000 and a reported sales figure of €21 billion in numerous countries, MilliporeSigma leads the push for sustainability and improved healthcare. They strive to develop products and services that enhance the speed of drug development and manufacturing while also discovering new therapeutic pathways for complex diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the new biosafety testing facility?
The new facility aims to enhance biosafety testing capabilities to meet the growing global demand for efficient drug development and safety testing.
How does the Blazar CHO AOF panel improve testing?
This panel speeds up virus family detection in bulk harvest materials, allowing results within 14 days instead of the traditional 35 days.
What is the significance of this investment for MilliporeSigma?
It is the largest investment in contract testing in the company's history, reflecting their commitment to innovation and client service.
How many employees does MilliporeSigma have worldwide?
MilliporeSigma employs over 27,000 individuals across numerous locations globally.
What services does MilliporeSigma provide?
They provide a broad range of services related to scientific discovery, testing services, and biomanufacturing with an emphasis on safety and quality.
