Sartorius Stedim Biotech said today it will partner with Novasep to develop novel systems for membrane chromatography and single-use bioprocessing, through a collaboration whose value was not disclosed.

The collaboration is intended to develop innovative chromatography systems that integrate Sartorius Stedim Biotech’s single-use technology and Novasep’s BioSC® platform. Such membrane chromatography systems, the companies reason, will offer customers the most attractive alternative to batch and continuous resin-based chromatography—with advantages that include higher productivity, smaller scale operations, and increased robustness.

“Membranes are the embodiment of process intensification. As the market leader in membrane chromatography, Sartorius Stedim Biotech aims to realize this potential and offer customers the full benefits of our Sartobind® portfolio,” said Fritjof Linz, PhD, head of separation at Sartorius Stedim Biotech.

Sartorius Stedim Biotech offers Sartobind membrane chromatography solutions designed to supplant columns, including systems designed for use with single-use capsules—membrane adsorber technology designed to save bioprocessors up to 70% on processing time and workspace by eliminating packing, cleaning, and revalidation steps. Two years ago, the company expanded its range of single-use membrane chromatography solutions to process larger proteins by launching Sartobind Cassettes for more involved membrane chromatography processes; the company offers Sartobind cassettes of 0.8 or 1.6 L volume.

Sartorius Stedim Biotech said systems designed for membrane chromatography applications are a part of its global product strategy to supply complete solutions for both upstream and downstream processing in life sciences.

“We are happy to work with a highly competent partner like Novasep to introduce new membrane chromatography technology for flow through and capture applications,” Linz added.

Headquartered in Aubagne, France, Sartorius Stedim Biotech employed approximately 5,600 people at the end of 2018, and reported sales revenue of earned sales revenue of €1.212 billion ($1.373 billion), up 12% from 2017.

The company disclosed its intent to launch “a new membrane-based chromatography system on the market” in its 2018 annual report, published February 19.

Based in Pompey, France, privately-held Novasep specializes in the design, manufacture, and control of resin-based batch and continuous chromatography systems.

Novasep’s BioSC platform is a low-pressure continuous chromatography solution designed for purification of monoclonal antibodies, blood fractions, and other biologics.

Among the advantages of BioSC promoted by Novasep are:

  • Adaptability, with the ability to carry out operations from 1 column up to 6 columns in batch, parallel batch, continuous chromatography, or continuous process
  • Easy switch from batch to continuous, optimizing process parameters with BioSC Predict software
  • An up to 75% reduction of resin and buffer use
  • A two- to six-fold increase in productivity

“The result of this venture will satisfy the latest market demands for continuous processing, process intensification, performance, and ease of use,” Nadège Laborde, president process solutions at Novasep, said in a statement.

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