Sekisui Diagnostics' Enzyme business unveiled its new Bioprocess Innovation Centre at its site near Maidstone, Kent, UK. The new R&D facility, costing $1.9 million, is part of a long-term investment strategy to grow its share of the Microbial Biopharma CDMO market, with future investment expected to focus on expanding its cGMP manufacturing capabilities, starting with additional ISO 8 clean room capacity coming online by the end of 2019.
The new Bioprocess Innovation Centre includes 250m2 of laboratory space and 134m2 of office space, more than doubling its R&D laboratory space to facilitate Process Transfer and Development.
The new facility includes dedicated and separate microbial fermentation development, protein purification, analysis and molecular biology laboratories.
Sekisui's Biopharma CDMO service offering, BioProduction by Sekisui, is focused on expression and purification from microbial fermentation. Building on over 40 years' experience in this field, the group's expertise lies in the production of enzymes, however its capabilities are also suitable for plasmids, antibody fragments, and other protein production.
"This investment represents our commitment to serve our customers with innovative process development solutions," said Will Stockburn, Sekisui Diagnostics (UK) Ltd.'s General Manager. "Over many years we have built a technical competency in enzyme production process development. The new facility will enable our team to attract more customers as the Biopharma CDMO market grows."
About Sekisui Diagnostics
Sekisui Diagnostics is a global company committed to improving patient's lives by providing innovative medical diagnostics to physicians and laboratories through a global commercial network. Product lines include clinical chemistry and coagulation systems, reagents, rapid test kits, point-of-care systems. The Enzyme business forms part of this group and, in addition to BioProduction by Sekisui, offers a broad portfolio of Diagnostic enzymes and critical raw materials. www.sekisuidiagnostics.com
