The new business, called Avrio Biopharmaceuticals, is due to start operations in January next year, and is an integral part of Irvine’s growth strategy as it serves the needs of “current and potential clients,” said the firm in a statement.
Irvine has been operating since 1988, initially serving as an independent contract testing laboratory. Since then it has gradually extended its portfolio to include a broad range of drug development services including method development and validation, analytical chemistry, stability storage and testing, comprehensive microbiological support, preformulation and formulation, drug delivery testing, as well as inhalation and nasal testing.
The Californian company said that it has been active in biopharmaceutical services for some time, focusing on API manufacturing, cell line development, manufacture of peptides and proteins, and the development of dosage forms.
Avrio Biopharma expands its offerings in the biopharmaceutical sector, providing a “full range” of formulation development and aseptic fill-and-finish services.
The new company will focus on developing production processes and providing filling, lyophilisation and packaging services for early phase clinical trial materials.
“We are very excited about this extension of our company,” commented Assad Kazeminy, CEO and founder of Irvine Pharmaceutical Services.
“Avrio will help round out our existing capabilities and its connection to Irvine will also make it possible to provide our clients with broader services.”
In anticipation of the launch of the new subsidiary, Irvine has boosted its senior management with the appointments of Aryo Nikopour as vice president of scientific and technical services, and Greg McParland as chief operating officer.