Shimadzu launches aggregates analysis device for drug development

Shimadzu has announced the introduction of a new device for use in quantitative, high-speed evaluation of sub-visible particle (SVP) aggregates present in biopharmaceuticals.

Launched on July 10th 2013, the Aggregates Sizer Aggregation Analysis System for Biopharmaceuticals is capable of assessing 100 nanometre to ten micrometre SVP aggregates that can be found in new drugs, sometimes causing unexpected side effects.

Until now, no effective SVP aggregate analysis technique has been established in the industry, but Shimadzu's new system allows samples to be evaluated for aggregation at the early stages of drug development.

It can reduce costs and development times while also allowing aggregation-prone proteins to be screened and eliminated in advance.

The manufacturer said: "It is ideally suited for quality control and for improving the efficiency of biopharmaceutical development."

Based in Japan, Shimadzu is a leading global provider of scientific instruments that employs more than 10,000 people worldwide.