After receiving investment last year US-based CMO (contract manufacturing organisation) Cytovance strengthened its biologics capabilities by acquiring a site and assets from Genzyme. Installation of a 1,000L bioreactor has now further boosted the CMO’s operations in Oklahoma, US.
“The decision to expand our capabilities was made with careful consideration of our clients' needs. The additional state of the art bioreactor will allow Cytovance to provide clinical material to key clients as they move through the clinic”, Darren Head, president & CEO of Cytovance, said.
Cytovance now has 100L, 500L and 1,000L bioreactors, as well as a 100L wave system and a 100L microbial manufacturing train. Using these tools Cytovance can supply clients with antibodies and recombinant proteins and support development of analytical methods and production processes.
News of the bioreactor comes days after Cytovance bolstered its business development team. Valerie McDonnell, formerly of Althea Technologies, has joined Cytovance as vice president of sales and business development.
Equity investment
In March Great Point Partners invested $22.5m (€17.1m) in Cytovance. The funds allowed Cytovance to move into former Genzyme laboratories and buy bioprocess and analytical equipment from the biotech.
Speaking at the time of the investment Head said Great Point Partners “recognised the potential growth opportunities for Cytovance with additional working capital”. Addition of a bigger bioreactor continues the growth strategy.