Joining with Hyprocell is intended to help GBI become a “one stop shop” capable of supporting clients’ cDNA synthesis, transfection and clone selection needs, as well as process development and manufacturing.
"Most of our customers are looking for one-stop shop type of CMO (contract manufacturer organisation) services and Hyprocell is a perfect partner to collaborate with to satisfy the market need", said Bansi Bhan, interim CEO at GBI.
In the past GBI would refer clients needing cell line development services to contract research organisations (CRO), including Hyprocell, but there are benefits to formalising the relationship, Muctarr Sesay, vice president of process development at GBI told Outsourcing-Pharma.
Sesay believes that having a communicative and transparent relationship with Hyprocell will facilitate a smooth transition from cell line creation to GMP production. In turn, this will help shorten the time it takes some clients to reach clinical trials.
Hyprocell uses “cutting edge technology” while retaining “small company innovation and flexibility”, according to Bhan. Sesay added that clients in a suitable financial and developmental situation will also have the option of parallel working.
The service providers will also benefit from the arrangement. GBI will become the preferred CMO for Hyprocell clients that want production services. In addition Hyprocell will receive business from clients of GBI needing cell line services.
GBI and Hyprocell have been collaborating “for a while”, added Sesay, but the economic situation has restricted uptake so far. Despite the wider economic challenges GBI and Hyprocell “are working towards projects”, Sesay said.