Science and Technology

Abzena Announces a Multimillion-dollar Expansion of Bristol Facility to Enhance Bioconjugate Development

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BRISTOL, PA, March 27, 2024 — Abzena, a pioneer in end-to-end integrated CDMO services for complex biologics and bioconjugates, has proudly unveiled a considerable expansion at their Bristol, Pennsylvania bioconjugate development and cGMP manufacturing facility. With a strategic investment of $5 million, the company has significantly upgraded its laboratory space while acquiring new equipment and executing vital facility upgrades. This move further solidifies the site’s expertise in bioconjugation and scales up its capacity. The objective is clear: to bolster the fully integrated delivery of advanced biopharmaceutical drug programs.

In response to escalating demands from customers, this latest capital infusion propels the Bristol location into a new phase of innovation. The company has meticulously expanded and optimized both the Quality Control (QC) operations and analytical laboratory setups. Aimed at streamlining operations, these upgrades are pivotal in sustaining operational efficiencies. Central to this improvement is the integration of state-of-the-art systems, including five Waters Arc Premier LC Systems and two ACQUITY Premier Chromatography Systems, trusted for their unwavering consistency and reliability. Such sophisticated instrumentation is instrumental in delivering precise product analysis, from the raw development stages through to the cGMP release and stability testing phases, ensuring premium efficiency across the board.

Enhancing the facility’s analytical prowess further, Abzena has made a substantial investment in the avant-garde Sartorius Hipersep® Flowdrive Pilot System. This cutting-edge system is expressly engineered to operate at high pressures of up to 100 bars and is designed for improved purification processes, primarily for clinical manufacturing batches. It offers higher pressure and flow rate capacities, which translates into rapid purification cycles, enabling the isolation of significant quantities of compounds within a single operational day. This efficiency fosters a faster and more proficient separation of the target compounds from any impurities, thereby streamlining the entire purification process.

But the advancements are not strictly limited to laboratory equipment. Recognizing the importance of a conducive work environment, Abzena has gone to great lengths to renovate the non-laboratory spaces within the site. These renovations include the installation of new flooring, the introduction of contemporary lighting systems, and the revitalization of communal areas — all of which aim to not only improve operational efficiencies but also cultivate an improved ambience for the staff.

Ian Glassford, the Vice President and Bristol Site Head, expressed excitement over the leap in operational capabilities brought about by integrating the chromatography systems alongside the Sartorius Hipersep® Flowdrive. "Combined with our comprehensive site renovations, these advancements enhance our capabilities to better support customer programs and affirm our dedication to creating a supportive workplace for our employees," Glassford asserted.

According to Matt Stober, CEO of Abzena, the strategic investments at the Bristol site underline the company's unwavering commitment to providing high-quality programs that elevate the prospects of success downstream for clients. Stober elucidated, "With a significant uptick in bioconjugate and antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) programs in current development pipelines, and backed by over 20 years of industry leadership, we relentlessly invest in our facilities to drive cost and time efficiencies. This ultimately expedites these crucial programs' journey to the patients."

Abzena has not stopped there; it boasts a pipeline of further investments slated for both the development and manufacturing sectors of the Bristol, PA, facility, anticipated to reach completion throughout the course of 2024. These forthcoming advances promise to push the envelope in bioconjugate technology and manufacturing, paving the way for groundbreaking treatments that cater to the needs of patients on a global scale.

About Abzena

Abzena leads the pack as an end-to-end, integrated CDMO and CRO that specializes in bioconjugates and complex biologics. It takes pride in its uniquely tailored full suite of services fostering customers' journeys from discovery through to the commercial launch. Their commitment to de-risking and streamlining the development of new treatments is tireless, as they seek to address the needs of patients awaiting new therapies. The company’s flexibility in adapting its strategy and crafting a bespoke customer experience for each project is noteworthy. Their innovative solutions empower biotech and biopharma companies to unlock the full potential of their molecules, thereby advancing medicines at an accelerated pace.

Spanning multiple locations including San Diego, California; Bristol, Pennsylvania; and Cambridge, United Kingdom, the company’s state-of-the-art research, development, and cGMP facilities are testament to their international footprint and impact. Behind Abzena’s incessant momentum is the powerful backing of private equity titan Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe, renowned for its substantial and visionary investments in companies with tremendous potential.

For a deeper understanding of Abzena’s remarkable offerings, impact, and vision, or to get in touch with their dynamic teams, one is invited to visit their extensive, informative online presence at abzena.com.

Source and Further Information

To further explore these developments or for visual imagery, interested parties are encouraged to view the provided photograph of the Bristol facility. Access the high-resolution image here.

SOURCE: Abzena

In conclusion, Abzena's significant financial venture to expand its Bristol operations is a powerful testament to its strategic vision and steadfast commitment to fostering medical advances. These investments exemplify its goal of aiding sophisticated therapies to reach patients more swiftly, effectively, and with the utmost quality. The synergistic enhancements in technology, along with the focus on providing an enriching environment for their workforce, all play crucial roles in the company's mission to drive forward in the realm of biopharmaceutical innovation. As Abzena’s story unfolds through these exciting improvements, the industry looks on with anticipation to witness the company's next phase of accomplishments in 2024 and beyond.

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