[COLOR="#000000"]WuXi AppTec, a provider of laboratory and drug manufacturing services, has opened a new cGMP biologics manufacturing facility in Wuxi, Jiangsu, China.
The new facility will utilize 100% disposable equipment for manufacturing biologics drug substances.
WuXi AppTec chairman and CEO Ge Li said the establishment of the cGMP biologics facility has improved the company’s services in biologics manufacturing and further showcases its commitment to global clients.
“WuXi is determined to provide world-class services for anyone conducting research in biologics discovery, development and manufacturing including multinational and Chinese pharmaceutical and biotech companies,” Li added.
As part of commitment to biologics, the company has collaborated with Open Monoclonal Technology to use first fully human monoclonal antibody OmniRat platform to develop novel human antibodies for global clients.
In addition, the company signed a contract with TaiMed Biologics to produce the HIV compound ibalizumab for global phase II and III clinical trials as well as formed a joint venture (JV) agreement with MedImmune, the global biologics arm of AstraZeneca, to develop MEDI5117, an IL-6 inhibitor for rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune disorders in China.
AstraZeneca R&D president Martin Mackay said the JV with WuXi will help both companies bring benefit to patients.
“Our mutual ambition is to greatly increase the number of people who ultimately benefit from our medicines,” Mackay added[/color]