Rentschler Biotechnologie, contract manufacturing organisation (CMO) for the development and production of biopharmaceuticals, has added a 2,000 L single-use bioreactor to its facility in Laupheim. The expansion is anticipated to be fully operational end of the first quarter of 2015.
The new 2,000 L single-use bioreactor will supplement two existing 1,000 L single-use bioreactors already in operation and will double the total single-use production capacity.
“We see an increasing need for production capacity in the mid-scale. The expansion will allow us to match the growing demands of our clients for all clinical phases. The addition of the 2,000 L single-use bioreactor will increase our flexibility to serve the market with either stainless steel or single-use technology as the client requires”, explains Frank Ternes, chief business officer at Rentschler.
In 2012, Rentschler received the “Facility of the Year Award” for its flexible, multi-product 1,000 L manufacturing facility designed to minimize manufacturing costs and product cycle times. Single-use equipment reduces contamination risks and permits a faster product turnaround with a shortened setup time and hence increases the capacity utilization. The facility features a flexible space concept comprising four independent, connectable, multi-purpose clean room suites. The new 2,000 L single-use bioreactor seamlessly integrates in this proven facility concept.
Rentschler says it is is one of the first CMOs having established a fully disposable process concept and already has more than three years of experience with this system.