GE Healthcare announces Xcellerex takeover

GE Healthcare has announced the acquisition of biopharmaceutical manufacturing technology provider Xcellerex for an undisclosed fee.

The high-growth company produces turnkey biomanufacturing systems and production-scale bioreactors based around single-use components, delivering benefits such as quick installation, lower cost, reduced contamination risks and greater flexibility.

Specific products include FlexFactory, a complete custom-designed modular production platform, while it also offers a BridgeSourcing biomolecule production service and TransPlant installation process.

The deal will close in the second quarter of 2012 and will complement GE Healthcare's existing products and service models.

Dr Nigel Darby, vice-president of biotechnologies and chief technology officer at GE Healthcare Life Sciences, said: "GE and Xcellerex share the vision that an integrated approach, where we can help customers optimise every stage of their manufacturing process, has the potential to increase production flexibility and to deliver higher yields."

Earlier this month, the company announced plans to commence a trial of its new Global Patient Safety Network, an information exchange service for international hospitals.