WuXi AppTec Hosts Global Monoclonal Antibody Summit, Opens First cGMP Biologics Facility in China PR Newswire SHANGHAI, Oct. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- WuXi AppTec hosted an inaugural Global Monoclonal Antibody Summit in conjunction with the startup of its cGMP biologics manufacturing facility in the city of Wuxi on October 10-12, 2012. Attending the event were executives from global pharmaceutical and biotech companies, scientists and researchers in biologics and officials from the Chinese central and local governments.
First cGMP Biologics Facility in China WuXi AppTec has invested substantially in building its capabilities and capacity in biologics in the past few years. The current startup of its biologics manufacturing facility in Wuxi, the first in China to meet GMP standards of the United States, the European Union and China, marked another milestone for the company. This facility also is the first one globally to utilize 100% disposable equipment for biologics drug substance manufacturing. "The establishment of this cGMP biologics facility has greatly improved WuXi's services in biologics manufacturing and further showcases our commitment to global clients," said Dr. Ge Li, Chairman and CEO of WuXi AppTec at the opening ceremony. "WuXi is determined to provide world-class services for anyone conducting research in biologics discovery, development and manufacturing including multinational and Chinese pharmaceutical and biotech companies." The company recently announced three deals in biologics: a collaboration with Open Monoclonal Technology to use OmniRat™, the first fully human monoclonal antibody platform based on transgenic rats, to develop novel human antibodies for global clients; a contract with TaiMed Biologics to produce the HIV compound ibalizumab for global phase II and III clinical trials; and a joint venture agreement with MedImmune, the global biologics arm of AstraZeneca, to develop MEDI5117, an IL-6 inhibitor for rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune disorders in China. Dr. Martin Mackay, President of R&D at AstraZeneca, attended the opening ceremony and stressed that the joint venture with WuXi will help both companies bring benefit to patients. "No single company has all the solutions to the healthcare challenges of today. That's why collaborations such as our joint venture with WuXi AppTec are so important. Our mutual ambition is to greatly increase the number of people who ultimately benefit from our medicines."
Global Monoclonal Antibody Summit A broad spectrum of topics relating to therapeutic antibodies was discussed at the Global Monoclonal Antibody Summit. Dr. David Ho, AIDS research pioneer, the key inventor of HIV cocktail treatment, described the anti-CD4 antibody ibalizumab in the treatment and prevention of HIV infection. The summit also included discussions of such new technologies as bi-specific antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates. A panel on The Future of the Chinese Mab Industry discussed the opportunities and challenges facing Chinese biopharmaceutical companies in the rapidly growing mab segment, which is strongly supported and funded by both governments and private industry.
About WuXi PharmaTech WuXi PharmaTech is a leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device R&D outsourcing company, with operations in China and the United States. As an innovation-driven and customer-focused company, WuXi PharmaTech provides a broad and integrated portfolio of laboratory and manufacturing services throughout the drug and medical device R&D process. WuXi PharmaTech's services are designed to assist its global partners in shortening the timeline and lowering the cost of drug and medical device R&D. WuXi PharmaTech's operating subsidiaries are known as WuXi AppTec. For more information, please visit http://www.wuxiapptec.com or contact:
Aaron Shi (for the media) Tel: +86-21-5046-4362 Email: Aaron_Shi@wuxiapptec.com Ronald Aldridge (for investors) Tel: +1-201-585-2048 Email: Ron_Aldridge@wuxiapptec.com SOURCE WuXi PharmaTech (Cayman) Inc.
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