Baxter Expands German Fill &Finish Facility
US healthcare company Baxter International is planning to spend roughly $100 million to expand a sterile fill & finish facility at Halle in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The plant is operated by BioPharma Solutions (BPS), a Baxter unit that specializes in partnering with leading pharma and biotech firms on the development and contract manufacturing of product for parenteral (injectable) drugs.
Baxter said the site, home to one of the most advanced facilities in its global network, has seen significant growth over the last several years. “By making this investment, we are building on recent expansions to help ensure this facility can serve our partners at the highest level now and well into the future,” said BPS general manager Marie Keeley.
Construction of the new building is expected to start in 2022 and complete in 2024. Baxter said the investment will expand BPS’ manufacturing footprint and add equipment to help products achieve stability and improved shelf life through freeze drying (lyophilization).
The project will also add an aseptic syringe filling line, enabling the company to meet growing demand for this type of drug delivery in both Europe and the US. Pre-filled syringes have potential to minimize microbial contamination and reduce medication dosing errors during medication preparation.
Baxter previously expanded the German facility in 2015, adding capacity and new technologies for parenteral oncology therapies. The plant also provides sterile manufacturing services for Covid-19 vaccines under multiple collaborations with companies that include Moderna and Novavax.
Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist
