Abzena Opens a New Biologics Testing Lab to Support Partners Programs

Abzena, a leading Partner Research Organization (PRO) providing integrated discovery, development and manufacturing of biologics and antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), announced the opening of a new Biologics Testing Laboratory situated in close proximity to Abzena’s Biologics process development and manufacturing hub in San Diego, California. This brand-new facility will give Abzena’s partners access to cell-based and PCR safety assays; and viral clearance studies to support their IND, IMPD, BLA and MAA applications.

This latest investment, Abzena’s sixth site in a global network, means Abzena now offers both traditional and rapid molecular detection methods; with all services appropriate for research cell banks, characterization of master and working cell banks, end-of-production of cell cultures, and bulk drug substances. Viral clearance studies will utilize technology to ensure valid scale down models, and high quality and high titer viral stocks to ensure no interference of viruses with downstream processes.

The new facility allows for tighter control of timelines alongside rigorous evaluation of each integrated program to provide appropriate biosafety data de-risking our partners programs and supporting their regulatory filings. Bringing these tests into Abzena’s control ensures accelerated timelines for our partners and allows for a single source of data.

Kimball Hall, President and COO, remarked “We are delighted to expand our in-house capabilities to provide those working in the biologics space a rapid, streamlined and de-risked process for their biologics safety testing. Our commitment to patients is unparalleled. By bringing this facility in-house we can ensure that our partners benefit from efficiency ensuring their regulatory goals are met to ultimately get new medicines to patients safely.”

Troy Wright, SVP and Global Head of Quality stated “This new facility allows us to give our partners an even greater quality of service to meet their program goals. We are thrilled to expedite our partners programs through this new investment.”

About Abzena

Abzena provides the most complete set of solutions in integrated early discovery to clinical and commercial biotherapeutic and bioconjugation drug development and manufacturing in the biopharmaceutical industry. The company maintains resources around the world, with facilities in the US and UK. Abzena is owned by Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe, one of the world’s leading private equity investors and BioSpring Partners. For more information, please see www.abzena.com.

About Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe

WCAS is a leading U.S. private equity firm focused on two target industries: healthcare and technology. Since its founding in 1979, the firm’s strategy has been to partner with outstanding management teams and build value for its investors through a combination of operational improvements, growth initiatives and strategic acquisitions. WCAS has deep experience in acquiring founder-led businesses and corporate carve-outs. The firm has raised and managed funds totaling over $30 billion of committed capital.

About Biospring Partners

Biospring Partners invests in growth stage life sciences technology companies. Founded in 2020 by Michelle Dipp, MD PhD and Jennifer Lum, Biospring leverages its deep experience in the life sciences and technology industries to support B2B services, tools, and enterprise software companies that are driving innovation across the life sciences industry and beyond.