Merck to Supply Single-use Systems to WuXi Biologics for Non-GMP Pilot Plant in Shanghai

Merck was selected by integrated biologics technology platform company WuXi Biologics to provide Merck’s Mobius® single-use systems and technologies to equip a non-GMP pilot plant in Shanghai, China. The facility services WuXi customers and is intended to accelerate development of biopharmaceutical products. The new facility was officially inaugurated on 15 February by both companies.

“The demand for biologics is growing, and the ability to successfully bring these therapeutics to market relies on rapid, cost-effective development and manufacturing,” said Daniel Stamm, Head of Global Process Solutions Commercial, Life Science. “Incorporation of our Mobius® single-use technologies in this new facility will help WuXi Biologics strengthen robust processes and accelerate progress from pilot to commercial scale.”

The plant, staffed by WuXi Biologics, features Mobius® single-use products across the entire upstream and downstream workflow including buffer and media preparation, fed-batch and perfusion bioreactors, clarification, chromatography, virus clearance, ultrafiltration/diafiltration, formulation and fill. This single-use workflow delivers increased efficiency and ease-of-use with improved process economics essential to the development and manufacture of biologics.

“This joint laboratory further strengthens WuXi Biologics' capabilities in integrated biologics discovery, development and manufacturing services,” said Dr Chris Chen, CEO of WuXi Biologics. “WuXi Biologics is committed to providing a seamless, truly one-stop service for our partners and clients from concept to commercialisation.”