Singapore: WuXi AppTec has started construction of an integrated biologics solution center at the company's headquarters in Shanghai with a total investment plans of $120 million.

The facility will be operational in 2017 and has the capacity accommodate 800 scientists. The facility will provide integrated solutions from ideas to the clinic for biologics discovery, development, and clinical manufacturing on a consolidated campus.

The biologics discovery center will utilize OmniRat platform in collaboration with Open Monoclonal Technology, and in-house proprietary phage display libraries to enable global clients to discover conventional mAbs, bi-specific mAbs and antibody-drug conjugates.

The biologics development center will utilize WuXi's proprietary CHO cell line platform to develop robust fed-batch and perfusion processes to meet demanding processing needs. The co-located cGMP clinical manufacturing facilities will support four concurrent campaigns using 3x2000L fed-batch and 2x500L perfusion bioreactors. With this comprehensive platform integrated from discovery through all aspects of development, customers will benefit from the speed, agility, efficiency, and unsurpassed quality of WuXi's operations to expedite their global biologics research and development.

"We are very pleased to continue to invest in our biologics capabilities and expand our capacities to support the ambitious plans of our global clients," said Dr Ge Li, chairman and CEO, WuXi AppTec. "Through this investment, WuXi will further strengthen its position as a global leader in biologics R&D, offering a truly unique integrated solution."