Pune/Mumbai, July 2023: Enzene Biosciences Ltd., a subsidiary of Alkem Laboratories Ltd. and a leading biotech company offering integrated Contract Development and Manufacturing (CDMO) services for Biologics, has announced the inauguration of their new state-of-the-art research and development (R&D) facility in Pune.
Enzene’s new R&D facility, spanning over 75,000 square feet, is strategically located in the Chakan Industrial Area of Pune, adjacent to their existing cGMP manufacturing facility. The facility showcases Enzene’s dedication to advancing scientific research and development, offering fully integrated services from Cell Line Development to Fill & Finish across a wide range of modalities. Compared to their previous R&D center, which measured 25,000 square feet, the new facility provides ample room to house a diverse range of laboratories and corporate sections. It features three levels, each accompanied by intermediate levels, fostering a collaborative environment where researchers and scientists can coexist seamlessly. This open lab system promotes cross-departmental collaboration, efficient communication, and knowledge sharing.
Within the new R&D facility, Enzene has established specialized departments, including Cell Line Engineering (CLE), Drug Product Development (DPD), Purification Process Development (PPD), Advanced Analytical Technology (AAT), and Bioanalytical Assay. These departments bring together a team of highly skilled scientists and researchers with affiliations to esteemed institutions like Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Tennessee Medical Centre among others and prior experience at renowned companies such as Amgen, Pfizer, BMS, Novartis, Syngene etc.
The close proximity of Enzene’s R&D facility to their cGMP manufacturing facility optimizes operations and streamlines processes. This adjacency promotes seamless workflow and effective collaboration, resulting in increased productivity and successful execution of their respective objectives. With Enzene’s growing collaborations worldwide, the need for quick and streamlined processes was essential. The strategic location of the new R&D facility, adjacent to their GMP manufacturing facility, has effectively served this purpose. This adjacency promotes a seamless workflow and fosters effective collaboration, resulting in increased productivity and successful execution of their respective objectives.
“The inauguration of our new R&D facility represents a significant milestone for Enzene. This expansion reinforces our commitment to driving innovation and delivering integrated CDMO services for Biologics,” said Dr. Himanshu Gadgil, CEO of Enzene. “The state-of-the-art facility provides us with enhanced capabilities to conduct cutting-edge research, collaborate across departments, and develop novel therapies. The goal for us with the establishment of this new facility was to create an open lab system that encourages interdepartmental collaboration, that I believe we have accomplished”, added Dr. Himanshu Gadgil.
Enzene’s new R&D facility not only facilitates advanced research and development activities but also strengthens their specialized capabilities. “We are thrilled to inaugurate our new R&D facility, marking a significant milestone for Enzene. This expansion exemplifies our unwavering commitment to driving innovation and delivering integrated CDMO services for Biologics. Equipped with the latest technology, including the Ambr250® bioreactor, the facility enables Enzene to explore novel modalities and build capabilities to offer new discovery services. These strategic developments will invigorate our plans to become a global CDMO player” said Sandeep Singh, MD Alkem Labs.
In terms of drug development continuum, Enzene will soon start offering biologics discovery services to our partners. Cost effective discovery services is an essential segue for low-cost drugs for patients. With the EnzeneX™ technology tied with discovery services, Enzene will be a one-stop shop for their partners to make affordable drugs a reality. Currently, they can offer screening services to assess the developability of different modalities as a therapy. The new facility, in the near future will offer development and manufacturing services for advanced therapies including, ADCs, mRNA and Cell & Gene therapy.
With the expansion of their research capabilities, Enzene is strategically positioned to fulfil their growth plans and become a global leader in the CDMO space.
About Enzene Biosciences Ltd:
Enzene is an innovation-driven biotech company a subsidiary of Alkem Laboratories Ltd. (one of the top five pharmaceutical companies in India) located in Pune, India. Enzene’s focus lies in producing biosimilars, novel biologics, synthetic peptides and phytopharmaceuticals. Enzene also offers a range of biologics CDMO and CMO services with capabilities from clone development up to GMP manufacturing supported by bioreactor capacities ranging from 20 litres to 2000 litres.
About Alkem Laboratories Limited:
Established in 1973 and headquartered in Mumbai, Alkem (NSE: ALKEM, BSE: 539523, Bloomberg: ALKEM.IN, Reuters: ALKE.NS) is a leading Indian pharmaceutical company with global operations, engaged in the development, manufacture and sale of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. The Company produces branded generics, generic drugs, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and nutraceuticals, which it markets in India and International markets. With a portfolio of more than 800 brands in India, Alkem is ranked the fifth-largest pharmaceutical company in India in terms of domestic sales. The company also has presence in more than 40 international markets, with the United States being its key focus market.
Fueled by our continuous innovation and armed with EnzeneX™, our fully-integrated CDMO solutions and our biosimilars pipeline are designed to help bring your biologics innovations to life.