The US-based firm has added an extra commercial-scale lyophilisation unit at the plant, which is run by its contract manufacturing business, BioPharma Solutions business.
Burkhard Wichert, VP of manufacturing for Baxter's Halle facility said: "The expansion, which was completed ahead of schedule, will help support the continuous worldwide supply of oncology products for our customers and, ultimately, for patients who are afflicted with cancer."
Cytotoxics capacity at the Halle plant has been increased a number of times over the last few years with the last recent expansion, which also involved boosting its freeze-drying capabilities, being completed just last summer.
Baxter’s move is in step with a number of manufacturers, Lonza and SAFC to give two examples, which have recently moved to expand cytotoxics manufacturing capacity citing increasing demand.
Baxa buy boosts nutrition biz
News of the expansion comes during what has been a busy week for Baxter which, just yesterday inked a definitive agreement to buy US-based medical device manufacturer Baxa.
The deal, worth around $380m, will add Baxa’s portfolio of technologies for the delivery of oral and intravenous drugs to Baxter’s delivery systems offering.
Analysts at Zack said Zacks Investment Research said: “The acquisition bodes well for Baxter as the addition of Baxa’s products will complement its nutrition products and drug delivery systems.
“With these new products, the company will be able to offer a complete solution to meet the nutritional needs of the majority of patients.”