Evonik establishes Global Competence Network for Cell Culture Solutions

Evonik has established a new global network to develop system solutions that address upstream challenges in cell culture. The Global Competence Network for Cell Culture Solutions brings together a multidisciplinary team of business, application technology, and research and development experts in chemistry, cell biology, bioprocessing and media optimization across Asia, Europe and the Americas. The goal of the network is to empower customers to manufacture cell culture-based therapies more efficiently.

Optimizing cell culture media is a key strategy to ensure high yields and product quality for biopharmaceuticals. The new network will increase Evonik's offering of system solutions for cell culture media. It also forms part of the company's recently introduced "Advance Precision Biosolutions" innovation growth area within the life sciences division, Nutrition & Care. The growth area includes focusing on the development of biosurfactants, as well as cosmetic and pharmaceutical solutions that improve people's health and quality of life, save resources and protect ecosystems.

"With our new competence network, we go beyond by cross-connecting skills, driving innovation and sustainably propelling healthcare into the future," said Hans Henning Wenk, Vice President R&D for the Health Care business at Evonik.

Evonik's Global Competence Network for Cell Culture Solutions works with partners to address upstream challenges in cell culture such as process intensification and scalability. The network draws on a strong ingredient portfolio that includes the cQrex® peptides, plant-based cholesterol (PhytoChol®) and specialty carbohydrates, as well as R&D, formulation and process expertise. The network will be the primary resource for customers in need of system solutions that enhance their media and processes.

The network has multiple locations worldwide, with teams in Germany focusing primarily on CHO cell culture and analytics, complemented by cell and gene therapy application development in Singapore. A recent addition is an Innovation Satellite in Cambridge (MA) in the U.S., where Evonik's strategic innovation unit and business incubator, Creavis, will focus on R&D for nucleic acid-based medicines and cell culture solutions.

System solutions are tailored offerings that integrate products, technologies and services, and often have proven sustainability benefits. By focusing on system solutions, Evonik is positioning itself as a partner that supports customers from ideation to the finished product, enabling them to bring differentiated products to market more rapidly.