Expansion of the Development of Biologicals

“For a research-oriented pharmaceutical and chemical company like Bayer, innovation is the key to future growth. The new cell biology facility center represents an investment in our long-term success. To this end, Wuppertal is able offer the ideal framework conditions”, said Professor Dr. Wolfgang Plischke, member of the Board of Management at Bayer AG responsible for Innovation, Technology and Environment, on the occasion of the laying of the foundation stone for the facility center on December 13, 2010, in the pharmaceutical and chemical park. The new facility will go into operation in late 2012.

Biologicals are drugs that are manufactured by biotechnological methods. In doing so, the main focus of Bayer HealthCare is on antibodies, coagulation factors and other therapeutic proteins. “In this way, we can increase the prospects of being able to offer new drugs in the fight against serious diseases such as cancer,” said Professor Dr. Andreas Busch, member of the Executive Committee at Bayer HealthCare.

In the past few years, the company has continued to expand its competences in the field of biologicals research. “The new facility center will enable us to increase our production capacities in order to manufacture enough material for the late phases in clinical development for an increased number of potential active ingredients,” said Busch.

The building, which will have a height of 20 meters, will be equipped according to the latest technological standards and incorporate all stages of a biotechnological procedure. Actual production will take place across two storeys with a total of 1,370 square meters for so-called “ cleanrooms”. These will be accessible exclusively via air lock systems. The amount of airborne germs and particles must not exceed specific limits. Technology areas, offices and social rooms are spread across another three storeys. The building will be a multipurpose facility with great flexibility, in which 20 highly qualified members of staff will manufacture a variety of products.