Intertek's CA bioanalytical lab expansion latest response to biopharma demand
Pharma services firm Intertek launched this week its expanded GLP Bioanalytical Centre of Excellence in San Diego, California, offering 46,000 sq ft of laboratory space and new bioanalytical technologies.
The expansion was the result of growing demand for contract safety and efficacy services, according to Pharmaceutical Services Business Leader Mark Hammond who told Outsourcing-Pharma.com it “reflects the fast growth of the biopharmaceutical market, in particular, therapeutic antibodies and biosimilars,” which have become a key focus for Intertek.
“Our expansion in new technologies will provide an enhanced level of bioanalytical information, helping [biopharma firms] to understand the safety, efficacy and mechanism of action of their drugs in development,” he told us.
He added the site’s upgrade in capacity and throughput for bioanalytical, biomarker, and cell-based capabilities will “expedite delivery of robust and efficient studies so our clients can make important decisions, faster.”
Headcount at the San Diego site has increased by 10 over the past year, but the firm says a further 30 new roles will be created the next two years.
Strategic Growth Plan
The news comes as the latest in a line of expansions and investments at Intertek.
Last month, the firm opened 10,000 sq ft of additional lab space at its bioanalytical labs in Manchester, UK, and in May a new stability testing facility was launched in Cambridge, also in the UK.
This latest expansion “is an important step in our strategic growth plan for preclinical and clinical development support services,” Hammond said, adding that combined with the UK expansions customers now have “access to bioanalytical support in multiple regions.”
