NC State Uni lab will use LZ Lifescience's MES to teach future biopharma pros
A LZ Lifesciences manufacturing execution system (MES) will be installed at the BTEC laboratory, replacing the paper-based batch record system currently used.
Company vice president Christian Fortunel said BTEC’s decision to adopt an electronic system reflected a wider industry trend.
“There is a clear mind-set change in the biopharma manufacturing industry, with firms increasingly exploring ways to improve their operations by replacing paper records with electronic ones and accessing plant information in real-time.
“BTEC has recognized that dedicated training for current and future industry professionals is extremely important and we are privileged to be able to support the center with our expertise and technology."
Previously, Fortunel has suggested drugmakers could increase their productivity by over 25% using the firm's MES.
Future biopharma
BTEC is a training hub for biopharmaceutical professionals. It houses $12.5m (€11m) worth of industry grade technologies as well as a simulated current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) pilot plant facility.
The centre is capable of manufacturing biopharmaceutical products using cell growth and expression, recovery and purification processes in a sterile environment.
Gary Gilleskie, director of operations and teaching associate professor at BTEC said “Students will certainly benefit from hands-on exposure to a technology that is increasingly being adopted by industry.
“Through this experience, they will see the advantages that electronic batch records offer over more traditional paper-based systems.”
