Angel is providing manufacturing services in support of ReNeuron’s ReN001 stem cell therapy for stroke through to mid-2012. Both companies highlighted the contract’s work schedule flexibility, which is designed to help ReNeuron and Angel quickly respond as manufacturing needs shift.
“Critically, the new contract provides ReNeuron with guaranteed GMP (good manufacturing practice) manufacturing and non-GMP development slots over an extended period”, said Michael Hunt, CEO of ReNeuron.
Guaranteeing capacity allows ReNeuron to be “more efficient and flexible” with its planning, said Hunt, and makes its outsourced manufacturing model less risky. ReNeuron has consistently used partners, including Angel and NHS Blood and Transplant, to manufacture its stem cell treatments.
The value of the contract is private but Gordon Sheriff, chief operating officer at Angel, welcomed the “longer term contract”. Taking a longer term approach supports “the parallel development and GMP production of its primary products” and strengthens the relationship, said Sheriff.
Working relationship
ReNeuron has frequently outsourced work to Angel in recent years. In January 2005 a consortium, including ReNeuron and Angel, was awarded a £2.2m bioprocessing grant by the UK Department of Trade and Industry.
Since then publically known deals have been signed in 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010 and now 2011. Earlier this year business with ReNeuron helped Angel double its revenues and make a profit for the first time.
To support growth Angel signed a 15 year lease on a second GMP production plant in March. Opening the 1,661 m sq plant in Cramlington, UK will increase production capacity fivefold. Angel plans to start projects at the plant in the fourth quarter.