SANTA CLARA, Calif., June 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The
first installation of Finesse's new SmartFactory platform was featured when Alvotech announced the opening of its
state-of-the-art manufacturing and lab facility in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Alvotech, Iceland's powerful new player in biopharmaceuticals, will use this hybrid facility
to rapidly expand its production capacity using multiple 1,000 L and 2,000 L single-use bioreactor trains. The facility, located
at the University of Iceland Science Park, will leverage cutting-edge automation, enabling Alvotech to produce higher yields,
significantly reduce labor and capital expenses, and maintain flexibility in operations management systems.
Finesse is a California-based manufacturer of measurement and control solutions for life
sciences process applications. Central to the new Alvotech facility is the introduction of the Finesse SmartFactory platform,
which features an open architecture that includes Finesse SmartSystem™ universal controllers. The open architecture allows
Alvotech to choose the equipment best suited and priced for its unit operations – regardless of equipment manufacturer. Process
flow can be designed in a modular and scalable manner while maintaining quality and regulatory compliance in electronic batch
records at the same time.
"The inauguration of this facility signifies another key milestone for Alvotech," said Eef Schimmelpennink, CEO of
Alvotech."It perfectly complements our strong R&D platform and provides Alvotech with state-of-the-art, flexible and
high-quality commercial scale development and manufacturing capabilities. Putting the plant into operation shows our dedication
to be one of the global leaders in the high-growth biopharmaceutical industry."
"Alvotech is capitalizing on the extraordinary flexibility afforded by our SmartFactory open architecture, enabling it to
develop and manufacture an impressive line-up of biosimilar products," said Dr. Barbara Paldus,
CEO of Finesse.
The flexibility of the SmartFactory lets a user select the level of automation required for each unit operation. Users can
also focus simultaneously on the compatibility of single-use materials between upstream and downstream for global process yield
optimization.
"The Alvotech facility showcases our latest SMART technology in process control, batch automation and data management," said
Paldus. "We provide seamless integration of vessels and skids from three of the top five bioprocessing equipment vendors at a
commercial scale.
Moreover, this facility demonstrates the ability to quickly move from upstream to downstream automation without compromising
the project budget or timeline."
About Alvotech
Alvotech is a powerful player in the field of biopharmaceuticals, whose current portfolio assets include biosimilar versions
of leading monoclonal antibodies molecules. Alvotech is proud to offer its biologics manufacturing capabilities to its partners
and to cooperate in the commercialization of its own developed biosimilar pipeline. Its state-of-the-art manufacturing
facilities, contract manufacturing for biologics and in-house clinical capabilities are just a few of the many reasons why
Alvotech is the partner of excellence for biosimilar initiatives. Alvotech is open for partnerships and licenses for its
current biosimilar assets worldwide. Learn more about Alvotech at www.alvotech.com and connect with the business development team at collaboration@alvotech.is.
About Finesse Solutions, Inc.
California-based Finesse Solutions has a proven record in providing turnkey, scalable
solutions for single-use upstream bioprocessing and has begun innovating in solutions for downstream bioprocessing as well. The
Finesse product platform includes state-of-the-art disposable sensors, modular automation hardware and intelligent software that
can harmonize data and technology transfer globally. Finesse also offers a complete set of services, including commissioning and
validation for rapid and reliable deployment of single-use equipment. For more information, please visit www.finesse.com.