DSM Pharmaceutical Products – Royal DSM’s manufacturing and technology division – will grant Amgen Inc. non-exclusive access to the XD proprietary technology which offers economic production of recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibodies.
Talking to In-Pharmatechnologist.com, Karen King, President of DSM Biologics, said that “this is one of several deals DSM has completed for its proprietary biopharmaceutical technology portfolio.”
“Many companies and clients are recognizing the potential of the enabling XD technology and the significant positive impact it can have on their manufacturing operations,” she continued.
XD technology
The XD platform is a patented DSM Pharmaceutical Products biopharmaceutical production technology designed to raise production by increasing the enabling cell lines used in biomanufacturing to grow at higher density.
The technology optimises conditions for cell growth by regulating nutrient supply and constantly removing potentially toxic small molecules. Such an environment, DSM boasts, has allowed titer 8-10 times higher than current standard biomanufacturing processes.
“It has broad applicability and success working with all mammalian cell lines and product types,” King explained. “A 500L XD single-use reactor with XD will have the same output as a 5000L fed-batch stainless reactor significantly lowering the costs of manufacturing and the investments required”
DSM and the hunt for partners
The agreement is distinct from last June’s announcement of an XD deal with a Big Pharma company. Whilst that collaboration saw DSM ink a contract manufacturing arrangement for the un-named company, the agreement with Amgen is specifically for a license of the technology.
Through both licensing and contract manufacture of the XD technology, DSM hope to continue its trend in forging partners. King said:
“DSM expects to be making an additional announcement soon with regard to further activities to improve biopharmaceutical manufacturing and drive down costs. Several companies are interested in or employing the DSM technologies today.”
Amgen lay down plans for Asian expansion
In a separate press release Amgen announced yesterday plans for a new $200m biomanufacturing facility focusing on monoclonal antibody production.
The new facility, to be constructed in Singapore, will be capable of creating both clinical and commercial batches. Details are few at present though construction will begin in the next few months with recruiting for several positions to follow.
Amgen’s Executive Vice President of Operations, Madhu Balanchandran said the plans were part of its global expansion strategy. “Singapore is an ideal location to further our manufacturing efforts based on its rich talent pool and friendly business environment.”