Intertek, a UK-based global Total Quality Assurance provider, has expanded its Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) pharmaceutical services laboratory in Melbourn, near Cambridge, UK.
The development adds 6,000 sq ft of purpose-built laboratory and office space, increasing the facility’s total footprint to 46,000 sq ft.
The expanded laboratory enhances Intertek’s capacity to support the growing demand for inhaled and nasal biologics, including mRNA, nucleotide-based therapeutics, and vaccines.
These drug delivery routes offer targeted treatment of respiratory diseases and the potential for reduced active ingredient requirements.
The development adds 6,000 sq ft of purpose-built laboratory and office space
However, their development presents unique analytical, manufacturing, and regulatory challenges.
To meet these needs, the Melbourn facility’s expansion includes advanced mass spectrometry (MS) platforms, such as high-resolution MS systems, alongside dedicated space for emerging technologies aimed at characterising large molecules.
A new particle characterisation laboratory will also be introduced, supporting both small and large molecule inhaled and nasal drug development.
Further investment will see the addition of new bioassay and cell culture suites, enabling enhanced cell-based potency assays, viral analytical work, and the handling of hazardous biological materials.
The expanded laboratory enhances Intertek’s capacity to support the growing demand for inhaled and nasal biologics
These capabilities complement Intertek’s existing pharmaceutical services operations in Manchester and strengthen its biologics testing offering across the UK.
Ross McCluskey, Executive Vice President, Europe, Middle East and Africa and Government and Trade Services at Intertek, commented: "This GMP lab expansion significantly enhances Intertek’s testing and analytical capabilities, enabling our clients developing novel inhaled biologics to accelerate their drug development timelines and ensure the highest standards of quality and efficacy in their products."
Ashleigh Wake, Intertek Pharmaceutical Services Director for the UK and Switzerland, added: "Our growing facility underscores our dedication to supporting innovation and the continuous development of safe and effective inhaled biologics. In partnership with our clients, we are helping to advance innovations in critical medicines that will reach patients in need worldwide."
Intertek’s Melbourn site has specialised for over 30 years in providing analytical, formulation, and clinical manufacturing services for inhaled and nasal drug products.