Health & Biotech

Avid Bioservices, Inc. a dedicated biologics contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) working to improve patient lives by providing high quality development and manufacturing services to biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, announced that it has completed construction of CGMP manufacturing suites within its new, world-class cell and gene therapy (CGT) development and CGMP manufacturing facility as scheduled. The newly launched CGMP manufacturing suites are currently undergoing final environmental monitoring and performance qualification. With the completion of this latest and final expansion project, Avid estimates that its combined facilities now have a potential total revenue generating capacity of up to approximately $400 million annually.

The purpose-built 53,000 square foot CGT development and manufacturing facility will support early-stage development through commercial manufacturing and is located in Orange County, CA, just five miles from Avid’s mammalian development and manufacturing operations. The recently completed manufacturing suites join the CGT facility’s analytical and process development labs, which were launched in 2022. Avid plans to commemorate the completion of the CGT facility by hosting a celebratory grand opening in January 2024.

“Over the past few years, we have implemented a strategic expansion plan designed to grow both our capacity and capabilities to align with the demands of the evolving biopharmaceutical market. With the completion of our CGT facility and launch of its CGMP manufacturing suites, we have now completed all phases of that expansion plan and find ourselves strongly positioned to meet the needs of our current and future customers,” said Nick Green, president and chief executive officer of Avid Bioservices. “The completion of this expansion is another example of the Avid team’s ability to execute. The facility’s completion comes only 24 months after we first broke ground and, when allied with the other activities and expansions undertaken by the team during this period, represents a significant achievement. We look forward to engaging with customers and offering them the full range of capabilities necessary to serve their needs along with Avid’s significant experience of operating CGMP-compliant facilities.”

Avid’s CGT facility will have the capability to produce suspension culture batches of up to 3,000 liters, as well as adherent cultures utilizing fixed bed bioreactors. Additionally, the manufacturing suites are designed to produce drug product with the use of state-of-the-art filling and capping machinery performed under isolator. With over 6,000 square feet dedicated to quality control laboratory space, the facility will be fully equipped to support both clinical and commercial CGT products.

“As more and more clinical successes are achieved in the cell and gene therapy space, we will continue to see increasing demand for CDMOs with extensive commercial manufacturing experience and mature, well-tested quality systems. Avid Bioservices is very well positioned through our new CGT facility and experienced team to produce these life-saving therapies for the benefit of patients around the world,” said Drew Brennan, general manager of viral vector technologies of Avid Bioservices.

Smith+Nephew the global medical technology company specialising in orthopaedics, advanced wound management and sports medicine, is pleased to announce the opening of the purpose-built Smith+Nephew Academy Munich, a new centre for surgical innovation and training.

S+N Academy Munich, situated in Kustermann Park in the heart of the city, will provide a central European hub for surgeons from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Surgeons and other healthcare specialists will learn the latest surgical techniques using the most advanced technology available, and practice surgical techniques using both hands-on and fully immersive digital interactive experiences.

S+N Academy Munich is the latest addition to a global network of nine Academies, across three continents. At its peak, S+N Academy Munich is expected to train up to 5,000 global healthcare providers at the site each year.

Additionally, S+N Academy Munich will also serve as a hub to connect healthcare professionals with its global marketing and research and development teams to test and validate new technologies.

'Our investment in S+N Academy Munich is part of a global commitment to drive innovation and learning in medical technology, creating an environment where the best healthcare providers can learn, collaborate, and innovate in order to meet the needs of their patients,' said Cynthia Walker, Global Senior Vice President for Medical Education, Smith+Nephew.

Sanofi, one of the world’s leading healthcare companies, has progressed its partnership with Griffith University by officially opening its latest research site at the university’s Gold Coast campus, which will bring global biomedical research and development (R&D) to the Coast.

The partnership forms part of the Translational Science Hub (TSH), a collaboration that links world-class researchers in Queensland, and now the Gold Coast, with scientists at the Sanofi mRNA Centre of Excellence in France and the United States to develop the next generation of immunisations.

A first of its kind, TSH is a $280 million partnership between Sanofi, the Queensland Government, Griffith University, and the University of Queensland that is putting the Sunshine State at the forefront of mRNA vaccine development and biomedical research in Australia.

The Translational Science Hub will initially focus on the evaluation of a new generation of mRNA vaccines. mRNA is expected to herald new vaccines that instruct certain cells to produce proteins that are recognised by the immune system to mount a defence.

Researchers based on the Gold Coast will use Griffith University infrastructure and technology to better understand mRNA vaccine technology, which will help to optimise the platform to produce better vaccines and expand its use in the development of therapies to treat a variety of diseases.

First-of-its-kind vaccines for chlamydia, acne and even some cancers, plus improved vaccines for influenza and RSV, will be developed on the Gold Coast and across Queensland.

Helping Hands Family (HHF), a leading provider of autism therapy services is Great Place to Work certified for its welcoming environment and impactful job opportunities. HHF is hiring Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) in most of their locations across New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.

What is an RBT?

Registered Behavior Technicians play a vital role in the lives of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Under the supervision of a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), RBTs provide 1:1 play-based therapy called applied behavior analysis (ABA), using evidence-based principles and strategies to teach children with ASD new skills, reduce problem behaviors, and improve their quality of life.

What does an RBT do?

RBTs implement specific tasks/goals with their client that are laid out in the behavior care plan created by BCBAs. Through play-based therapy tactics, an RBT observes and takes notes on a child's progression with the goals. These notes are used to help the BCBA adjust a client's treatment plan to make sure the child is progressing and seeing positive outcomes. 

The ABA field is growing rapidly, and RBTs are in high demand. RBTs can work in a variety of settings, including homes, clinics, and schools. This provides flexibility to choose a setting that is a good fit for you.

Why become an RBT at Helping Hands Family?

HHF is a great place to become an RBT because they offer unique benefits:

• Comprehensive, Paid Training Program- HHF offers a 4-week paid training program which covers all the skills necessary to pass the RBT certification exam.
  
  
• Fun Work Environment- RBTs at HHF enjoy participating in team-building activities, social events, and celebrations, connecting with their team, and having fun!
  
  
• Impactful and Rewarding Career- At HHF, you will have the chance to develop new skills, grow your career, and make a real difference in the lives of children and their families.