MLS expands biotech plant
The expansion will help MLS supports its environmental vaccine contract that it struck with the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Under the terms of the contract MLS produces eight Phase I vaccines for the NIAID.
In addition MLS said the facility will help meet increased demand from other clients, noting that it continues to see strong interest for contract R&D and Phase I and II vaccine production.
This demand can now be met by the expanded facility that is already being used for an ongoing Phase I vaccine production contract. Housed at the expanded site is a cell culture and viral production suite.
Projects can be performed in both mammalian and insect cell cultures and capacity for egg-based production of viruses is also available.
A separate sterility suite has also been added, which will be used to test incoming materials and finished products. MLS believes this further enhances its in-house testing capabilities.
The expansion, and original vaccine manufacturing facility, will be supported by a newly expanded pilot production laboratory.
By using all this capacity MLS will now be able to conduct two separate current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) compliant production runs simultaneously. The company views this as a significant step in improving its ability to serve clients.
Recent activities
In addition to the NIAID’s contract for eight vaccines, six of which will be produced at the expanded facility, MLS is also working with Australia’s Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (MCRI) and global health non-profit organisation PATH.
MLS recently reached a milestone in its work for MCRI and Path when it completed the manufacture of a live oral rotavirus. MCRI contracted MLS to develop and manufacture the RV3 rotavirus vaccine for use in Phase I and II trials.
