Sartorius and McMaster University Open Biomanufacturing Lab in Canada
State-of-the-art facility with advanced bioprocessing technology aims to accelerate therapeutic development, improve efficiency, and train the next generation of biomanufacturing talent for Canada’s growing life sciences sector.
Sartorius and McMaster University have expanded their partnership by inaugurating a state-of-the-art bioprocessing automation laboratory in Hamilton, Ontario. Located within McMaster's Faculty of Engineering, the 1,600-square-foot facility is equipped with advanced biomanufacturing equipment, much of which is supplied by Sartorius. The lab will serve as a training and development hub for students, Sartorius employees, and industry partners, focusing on the advancement of bioprocess modeling, simulation, and control.
This initiative builds upon a collaboration that began in 2019, aiming to optimize the manufacturing processes of antibody and virus-based therapeutics for diseases such as COVID-19, cancers, and genetic disorders. The partnership has also provided valuable training opportunities for students, fostering the next generation of talent in Canada's biomanufacturing sector.
The establishment of the lab was made possible through a grant from the Biosciences Research Infrastructure Fund (BRIF), a Canadian government initiative designed to enhance the nation's biomanufacturing and life sciences capabilities. Notably, this is the first facility fully funded by BRIF to open in Canada.
Dr. Heather Sheardown, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at McMaster University, emphasized the lab's significance: "The opening of the Sartorius Bioprocess Automation Lab marks a milestone in McMaster’s commitment to advancing biomanufacturing capabilities in Canada." She highlighted that the facility will support technological innovations in large-scale biotherapeutics manufacturing, enhancing production efficiency and expanding access to life-saving treatments for chronic illnesses such as autoimmune disorders and cancers.
Prof. Dr. Oscar-Werner Reif, Chief Technology Officer of Sartorius, added, "This partnership enables McMaster University and Sartorius to explore and industrialize innovative bioprocessing solutions together with partners from the biopharmaceutical industry." He noted that young researchers from academia and industry will jointly develop innovative modeling and predictive control solutions in the facility, ultimately driving faster development of improved therapies accessible to patients worldwide.
Further strengthening this collaboration, a team of McMaster researchers has secured additional Alliance Grant funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to launch an extensive four-year project with Sartorius.
This partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing biomanufacturing processes and training the next generation of innovators in the field.
