BPI Theater Interview: Alex Del Priore, Senior Vice President of Manufacturing Services, Syngene International

Syngene International, a subsidiary of Indian drug maker Biocon, continues to grow its contract research organization (CRO) and CDMO businesses. In 2022, it signed a 10-year production contract with animal health company Zoetis to manufacture the drug substance for Librela (bedinvetmab), a mAb used to treat osteoarthritis pain in dogs. The company is expanding its manufacturing capabilities, having acquired a vaccine facility in 2023 from Stelis Biopharma in Bangalore, India.

Syngene began as a research business, and Del Priore credited the company’s relationship with Zoetis for its manufacturing growth and its expansion into the US market after 30 years of specializing in early stage development. He said that Syngene has made 150 batches of product over the past two years. “It’s really put us on the map as [a company] that manufactures at the commercial scale.” He explained that Syngene has drawn interest from biopharmaceutical developers of all sizes that are seeking help in taking their ideas into all phases of clinical trials.

Del Priore said that the new facility acquired from Stelis will enable Syngene to expand its capacity. The building was used previously for COVID-19 vaccine production and will be used now to produce mAbs. Del Priore said that the transition is eased by the similarity in unit operations and that the upstream processes remain mostly the same. The company is working to address differences downstream and establish viral clearance.

Del Priore acknowledged the importance of staffing and said that finding qualified personnel in Bangalore has been eased by great universities in India and Biocon’s positive name recognition.

The new facility has 20 2000-L bioreactors, which will ensure Syngene’s ability to meet future demand. The company is taking a structured approach and opened the first of four suites in June 2024, with the others set to open in the coming two years. Syngene also has a dedicated clinical line for customers that need phase 1 materials. The company has invested in Biocon Academy and employs more than 8500 scientists who work on discovery, development, and manufacturing.

Del Priore ended by addressing some of Syngene’s recent work. “We just put out a press release announcing a new cell line we have that increases titers two- and threefold.” He said that the cell line will help drive down costs and shorten timelines for clients and that the new technology is based on the scientific research that Syngene prioritizes.

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