The FlexFactory platform is planned to be installed at the new manufacturing site in Guangzhou Knowledge City, China, configured with capacity for 4 x 2000L bioreactors
Image: Akeso Pharmaceuticals has selected GE Healthcare Life Sciences’ FlexFactory platform. Photo: Courtesy of General Electric.
Akeso Pharmaceuticals has selected GE Healthcare Life Sciences’ FlexFactory platform for its new biologics manufacturing facility planned to be built in Guangzhou, China.
The China-based biotech firm is focused on the development and commercialization of novel biologics, and its new facility will be designed for cost-effective manufacture of recombinant biologics.
Akeso Biopharma chairman and CEO Michelle Xia said: “We strive to provide affordable and high-quality therapeutics to patients. In 2016, we were the first user of FlexFactory for monoclonal antibody-manufacturing in South China. Once again, we chose to collaborate with GE to deploy new product lines and boost the production of next-generation immunotherapy drugs in China.”
Akeso Pharmaceuticals is a joint venture between Akeso Biopharma and the Guangzhou Development District
By accelerating Akeso’s access to antibody production, GE Healthcare Life Sciences is expected to support the Akeso’s pipeline of biopharmaceuticals, including therapies for the treatment of cancer, auto-immune diseases, arthritis, and Crohn’s disease.
The FlexFactory platform, which is planned to be installed at the new manufacturing site in Guangzhou Knowledge City, China, is configured with capacity for 4 x 2000L bioreactors to support the clinical and commercial production of therapeutic antibodies.
In addition, the platform is expected to support the Akeso’s plans for expanding operations to large-scale manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals focusing on bispecific antibodies.
Furthermore, Akeso’s facility marks the 21st GE Healthcare Life Sciences’ automation-integrated FlexFactory platform in China, and the 64th FlexFactory supplied globally. The new facility is anticipated to be operational by end of 2020 and would create up to 150 jobs upon opening.
GE Healthcare Life Sciences BioProcess general manager Olivier Loeillot said: “Akeso is one of China’s most innovative manufacturers of next-generation therapies. Rapid access to proven biomanufacturing technologies, and cost-efficient capabilities – supplied by trusted and seasoned industry partners, are key to realize the potential of the industry.
“We are supporting the growth of Guangzhou’s biotech with flexible and scalable technologies, like FlexFactory and KUBio, as we recognize the needs of biomanufacturers to succeed in this highly competitive environment.”