Avista Pharma Solutions completes expansion of US contract testing facility
The Massachusetts-based company has expanded its microbiology, sterility testing and microbial ID capabilities at the Agawam facility
Avista Pharma Solutions has completed the US$4m expansion of its 26,000ft2 contract testing facility in Agawam, Massachusetts.
For over 30 years, the Agawam site has served pharmaceutical and medical device clients. As part of an ongoing initiative, these facility and technology upgrades will enable Avista Pharma to deliver additional microbiology, sterility testing, and microbial ID service offerings.
As the result of Avista Pharma's 2016 capital investment, the improved facility has 4,200ft2 of additional space, featuring a new microbiology laboratory as well as a modular cleanroom area which houses isolator technology and an ISO 6 cleanroom used for sterility testing of medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biologics.
In addition, the laboratory support division has implemented new pass-through autoclaves and labware processing technologies that streamline workflow and complement Avista Pharma's extensive suite of microbiology services.
The facility's full range of comprehensive services will continue to include raw material and finished product release testing, ICH stability and storage, container closure integrity testing (CCIT), water system testing and validation, cleanroom monitoring and risk assessments, microbial identification via both MicroSEQ ID (rapid 16S rDNA sequencing) and Vitek MS (MALDI-TOF), mycoplasma testing, Antimicrobial Effectiveness Testing (AET), Microbial Enumeration Testing (MET), endotoxin and bioburden testing and disinfectant efficacy qualifications.
"We remain committed to providing best-in-class Microbiology, Analytical Chemistry and Cleanroom services," said Patrick Walsh, Chief Executive Officer of Avista Pharma. "This investment will complement our existing capabilities and expand our service offerings for our pharmaceutical and medical device clients."
