Merck Millipore opens French bioproduction facility

Merck Millipore has announced the official opening of a new GMP (good manufacturing practice) bioproduction facility, which aims to accelerate the drug development process.

The site will serve users of the company's open source manufacturing offering Provantage Biodevelopment and Clinical Supply Solutions, which incorporates the latest technologies for upstream and downstream processes.

Using the facility, Merck Millipore will be able to provide access to proven technologies, process development expertise and validation services, making it possible to develop a product from the clone selection phase to manufacturing in 12 months.

Unlike traditional outsourcing models, in which the customer's process must fit the facility and the contract manufacturer has full control over the process, ProVantage Solutions allow Merck Millipore to develop the process to client specifications.

Christophe Couturier, vice-president of services and solutions at Merck Millipore, said: "Our experts complement customers' internal capabilities in a way that combines the best of in-house production and conventional outsourcing. The end result is increased productivity and an accelerated time to market."

Last week, the company announced that it has agreed a global licensing deal for the induced pluripotent stem cell patent portfolio of iPS Academia Japan.