SSB signs deal for virus clearance tech
The technology uses UVC radiation to inactivate viruses, which has applications in irradiating vaccines and therapeutics produced from blood and plasma.
SSB will market the technology as single-use modules, laboratory bench units and process systems, with further products in the pipeline.
Reinhard Vogt, executive vice president of SSB, said: "By cooperating with Bayer Technology Services, we have now added an innovative, yet proven, technology to our portfolio, which can help significantly increase process reliability and economy in the production of many pharmaceuticals.
“Through the combination of UVivatec technology with our other products and services, we are not only strengthening our position in the biotech sector, but also in the growing market of blood products, in particular."
UVivatec’s market has grown as regulatory bodies have placed increasing importance on ensuring vaccine safety. During early clinical research manufacturers have to provide at least two complementary technologies for viral clearance, which is a requirement that SSB are equipped to fulfill.
Following the deal with BTS SSB now has three different methods for viral clearance, which use nanofiltration, absorption or irradiation to achieve this.
These technologies all occupy particular niches within the field of viral clearance. UVivatec is particularly efficient in inactivating small non-enveloped viruses, making it suitable as an alternative or complementary method for upstream and downstream processing.
SSB is planning on offering testing under non-Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) conditions, a field it enhanced its presence in this June by setting up a collaboration with WuXi AppTec.
This was set up to provide biopharmaceutical companies with a cheaper method of achieving viral clearance. SSB aims to achieve this by providing a pre-testing service, which will find the most appropriate viral clearance technology for a specific biopharmaceutical.
Armed with this knowledge, companies will have an idea of what to expect when a product enters a full GLP laboratory or the Phase III validation process.
UVivatec enhances SSB’s offering in this field and the technology is due to be further developed, with BTS contributing its expertise.
