Catalent to Acquire New Facility in Belgium for Commercial-Scale Plasmid DNA Manufacturing

Catalent announced on May 6, 2021 that it has acquired therapy development company Promethera Biosciences’ cell therapy manufacturing subsidiary, Hepatic Cell Therapy Support SA (HCTS), including its 32,400 ft2 facility in Gosselies, Belgium.

Under the terms of the agreement, the new facility will provide space for Catalent’s commercial-scale plasmid DNA (pDNA) manufacturing and service offering, Catalent said in a company press release. The facility also features an existing cleanroom infrastructure, process development and quality control laboratories, and warehouse space.

“Plasmid DNA manufacturing is a critical component to many biological therapeutics, including viral vectors, mRNA (messenger RNA), and cellular therapies. This investment allows Catalent to support these programs from development through to CGMP [current good manufacturing practice] commercial production, offering the full horizontal supply chain,” said Manja Boerman, PhD, president, Catalent Cell & Gene Therapy, in the press release. “The Center of Excellence we have established in Belgium brings critical experience and expertise together on one campus, allowing for key synergies to best support our customers.”

“Promethera is thrilled to divest its HCTS facility to Catalent, alongside its new strategy to concentrate activities on its core expertise and breakthrough approach using advanced therapies to restore liver health in patients with life-threatening liver diseases,” added Professor Etienne Sokal, president of Promethera, in the press release.

Source: Catalent