German Merck taps up cell-based pyrogen detection kit

21-Mar-2017 - Last updated on 21-Mar-2017 at 13:56 GMT

Image: iStock/Dr_Microbe

Solvias has struck a deal with Germany’s Merck to supply a monocyte activation test (MAT) kit for detecting pyrogens in pharmaceutical raw ingredients.

The Swiss services presented its 2016 results today, and revealed it has signed a supply and distribution agreement with Merck KGaA for its cell-based monocyte activation test kit for pyrogen detection.

The MAT technology is an alternative to animal testing for pyrogens in pharmaceutical raw ingredients and products.

Based on the Mono Mac 6 cell line, once these human monocytes come into contact with pyrogens, they produce cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), which can be detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests.

The kit will be produced and distributed in partnership with Merck. “Production is currently planned in Europe, distribution worldwide,” Solvias spokeswoman Renske Beintema told in-Pharmatechnologist.com.

Financial details were not disclosed.

For the full year 2016, Solvias reported sales of CHF 65.3m ($65.7m), up 2.2.% year-on-year.