Along with the 25% increase in available lab space, a dedicated explosion-proof area is being added, supported by a custom-built tank farm. The upgrade will allow for the introduction of regular solvents, as well as compatibility with our green peptide manufacturing, CordenPharma said.

The expanded peptide manufacturing, explosion-proof area and tank farm will be up and running from Q3 2021, further strengthening the company’s ability to carry out development projects with an emphasis on scale-up effects and optimal equipment design for the receiving GMP site. Alongside the new lab, the CDMO plans to increase staff with the addition of PhD chemists.

Frankfurt serves as as a central peptide R&D unit for CordenPharma’s integrated network of cGMP facilities. The company boasts expertise in the development of efficient and lean peptide processes such as Glucagon-Like Peptide analogues (GLP 1 or GLP 2), as well as its ability to tackle challenging projects such as branched or sophisticated multi-cyclic peptides.

"With the addition of these fully-automated larger lines in Frankfurt, assembly, capacity and flexibility will be significantly increased, reinforcing our leading position in Europe while keeping a flexible and cost-effective approach,” said Matthieu Giraud, global director of CordenPharma’s Peptides, Lipids & Carbohydrates platform.

Special efforts will be focused on mirroring the new equipment design with that of current GMP in order to ensure smooth technical transfer in later-stage clinical support, Giraud said.

Karsten Meyenberg, head of operations at the Frankfurt facility, said the new line will benefit customers by adding the required level of automation necessary for increased efficiency in initial scale-up efforts.

Author: Dede Williams, Freelance Journalist