PPD announce vaccine research laboratory expansion

Written by Amy Craddock, Future Science Group

Last week (18 May 2017), the global contract research organization Pharmaceutical Product Development (PPD; NC, USA) announced their vaccine science laboratory expansion, adding nearly 17,000 square feet to their laboratory site in Richmond (VA, USA). The expansion reflects the growing research needs of biopharmaceutical companies for expertise in vaccine development.

The aim of the expansion is to enhance PPD’s ability to provide capabilities in supporting its clients in vaccine development programs, from preclinical studies, all the way through to post-approval stages. The expansion has increased PPD’s abilities for vaccine efficiency testing, including the provision of specialized assays that are required for quantification and validation studies.

This expansion is part of PPD’s continuing investment into the Richmond bioanalytical facilities, which in recent years has seen notable expansion in its genomic, immunochemistry and automation services.

Speaking on the announcement, Senior Vice President of PPD Laboratories, Bob Nicholson commented: “The recent expansion of our vaccine sciences lab, coupled with previous enhancements to our biologics capabilities, builds on three decades of drug development expertise to support pharmaceutical and vaccine programs from pre-clinical through post-approval.”

He added that: “During that time, we have helped our clients earn FDA approval for 15 vaccine programs and countless pharmaceuticals. We’re confident our laboratory enhancements will enable us to build on that record of success for our customers.”

Source: PPD press release: www.ppdi.com/News-And-Events/News/2017/PPD-Expands-Vaccine-Development-Laboratory