SAFC Pharma Augments Assay Development Ca...( State-of-the-Art Laboratory Complex E...)

State-of-the-Art Laboratory Complex Enables Expanded Biologics Capabilities

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SAFC Pharma(TM), a business segment of SAFC(R), a member of the Sigma-Aldrich(R) group (Nasdaq: SIAL), today announced that it has commenced operations at its 7,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art laboratory complex in Carlsbad, CA. Located adjacent to the Company's existing flagship viral substance production facility, the new laboratories support SAFC Pharma's biologics offering for customers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology markets, and complement its existing portfolio of biologics capabilities through process improvement, technology transfers of processes and assays, and characterization of active ingredients.

The new complex includes a dedicated Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) facility, a tissue culture laboratory and stability suite supported by microbiology and regular testing labs, and houses a scientific team focused on Quality Control (QC), Process Development (PD), assay development and validation. The new PCR facility consists of separate suites with uni-directional personnel flow for sample processing, reaction assembly and PCR amplification. In addition to PCR assays, the unit is capable of performing cell-based, molecular and immunological assays, as well as analytical assays such as HPLC. All suites are equipped for independent air handling with air pressure gradients to prevent cross-contamination.

On-site QC functions will include environmental monitoring and microbiology, stability, product and raw materials release, plus analysis of in-process samples using advanced instrumentation. All standard operating procedures and protocols to be carried out in the laboratories are designed to follow cGMP guidelines.

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