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Octapharma AG, a Switzerland-headquartered plasma product manufacturer, has opened a research facility dedicated to recombinant protein drug development in Heidelberg, Germany.

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Designed by Heidelberg-based architectural firm Burger and Partner, the new state-of-the-art recombinant Research and Development centre is a 10,000 square metre facility. The facility will have a six metre-high space, which will allow for scaling up to 1000 litre fermenters for production.

Noted for its striking architecture, the new research facility will enable the company to conduct innovative research in human recombinant technology. The facility will have a clinical production line to develop new products researched at the centre. It will also include laboratory and office space, which provide space for up to 120 staff.

Construction of the facility entailed an investment of €25 million ($32.19 million).