Baxter Biopharma Solutions' Halle (Westfalen), Germany Facility Completes Lyophilization Expansion

Baxter BioPharma Solutions is pleased to announce the recent completion of the lyophilization capacity expansion at their cytotoxic contract manufacturing facility in Halle (Westfalen), Germany. The facility was expanded to meet the growing demand of the cytotoxic contract manufacturing market. The expansion increased their total cytotoxic lyophilization capacity to four dedicated lyophilizers and over 1,100 square feet.

Two large-scale lyophilization units were added to freeze-dry clients' cancer therapy drugs. The expansion includes innovative technologies to safely handle organic solvents including a state-of-the-art fully automated loading cart and in-process quality analysis technology. The cart navigates in the building with sensors, transporting the cytotoxic vials from filling without human attendance, and auto-loads the freeze driers. "Our experience in barrier isolators enabled us to realize this cutting edge technology while considering specific customer requests. By using the latest technology, we eliminate human exposure to the cytotoxics, and reduce contamination-risk of the products," said Thomas Julien, director of manufacturing. The high containment manufacturing expansion was designed to improve product quality, safety, and integrity, while allowing more control over the manufacturing process.

The expansion has been designed to meet EU, US and JP requirements. "Our customers benefit from the expanded capacity, leading edge technology, and 50 years of experience in handling cytotoxic parenterals. This investment reflects Baxter`s commitment to ensure customer focus on high quality services with state of the art technology," said Dr. Burkhard Wichert, vice president of manufacturing for Baxter's Halle facility.

About Baxter
Baxter's facility in Halle (Westfalen), Germany offers parenteral products and processes for scale-up, clinical, and commercial contract manufacturing of sophisticated drugs for the company's large and small pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners. With more than 20 years of experience in contract manufacturing, the facility has capabilities for lyophilization, aseptic filling of both liquid and sterile powder vials, and sterile crystallization.

Baxter BioPharma Solutions (BPS), part of Baxter Healthcare Corporation's Medication Delivery business, offers contract services and technologies for parenteral drugs. Proprietary formulation technologies include: PROMAXX protein microsphere technology and enhanced packaging. BPS' state-of-the-art clinical and commercial manufacturing offerings for small molecules, proteins/peptides, cytotoxics, biotech pharmaceuticals, and vaccines include capabilities for form/fill/finish of syringes/vials/cartridges; lyophilization; custom kitting and more. For more information please call 1-800-422-9837, e-mail onebaxter@baxter.com, or visit www.baxterbiopharmasolutions.com.