Merck Collaborates with Agilent Technologies on PAT for Downstream Processing

Science and technology company, Merck, has entered into a collaboration with Agilent Technologies with the aim of filling the industry gap in process analytical technologies (PAT) for downstream processing (DSP), it was revealed in a June 14, 2022 press release.

Under the terms of the partnership, the companies will combine Merck’s bioprocess portfolio with Agilent Technologies’ advanced analytical products to extend real-time monitoring and automated process control of critical process parameters (CPPs) and critical quality attributes (CQAs) in DSP. PAT is key to enabling real-time release and Bioprocessing 4.0.

“The biopharmaceutical industry is on a rolling transformation to evolve and digitalize the next generation of bioprocessing to increase accessibility and lower the cost of biologics,” said Darren Verlenden, head of BioProcessing, Life Science business sector at Merck, in the press release. “By combining our advanced bioprocess portfolio with Agilent’s leading analytical solutions, we will be able to offer integrated capabilities for enhanced downstream process monitoring and control, bringing us one step closer to making the facility of the future a reality.”

“Integrating analytical capabilities and intelligence into bioprocessing enables the biopharma industry to accelerate biological drug development and manufacturing while supporting continuous manufacturing and real-time release,” added Stefan Schuette, vice president and general manager of Agilent´s Liquid Phase Separations Division. “This collaboration focuses on integrating Agilent’s new online liquid chromatography (LC) solution with Merck’s bioprocessing platforms and will support customers on their journey to develop and produce biological drugs faster, with greater confidence, and at lower cost.”

Source: Merck