Catalent to provide cell lines for at least three Hisun biosimilars in China
Under the agreement, Hisun will produce a broad range of biosimilars using Catalent’s GPEx technology, which can help create stable and high yielding cell lines.
Catalent claims that its GPEx technology can push drug development projects to clinic in one-third the time of traditional approaches.
Haibin Wang, SVP of Hisun, said: “Catalent’s GPEx technology enables Hisun to bring its current bioreactor capacity to full operation, at a faster pace. We are excited about this collaboration because it heightens the quality and efficiency of our products’ development and enriches our pipeline products.”
The deal comes as Catalent previously used this technology to develop a mammalian cell line for Nascent Biologics’ Pritumumab, and to manufacture a monoclonal antibody in Japan for Kyoto University’s Center for iPS Cell Research and Application.
Barry Littlejohns, president of Catalent’s Advanced Delivery Technologies, noted, “We are keen to grow our biologics and development customer base throughout the Asia-Pacific region and intend to extend our global leadership in advanced delivery technologies and expert services throughout the region. We believe that the GPEx technology will enable Hisun to bring its products to market faster.”
Other Moves in Asia-Pacific, US
Last year, Catalent also entered into two joint ventures in China for its softgel technologies and clinical supply solutions businesses. Since then, the company has completed the acquisition of a majority share in Haining-based, privately held Zhejiang Jiang Yuan Tang Biotechnology. Catalent also opened a 31,000 square foot facility in Shanghai in November.
Catalent also exclusively licensed its SMARTag advanced antibody-drug conjugate technology to an unnamed company, and completed construction of a new single-use biomanufacturing facility in Madison, Wisconsin.
