Genentech buys cell culture unit in Spain

US biotechnology company Genentech has purchased a cell culturemanufacturing facility in Porrino, Spain, from Glaxo Wellcome Biofarma SA. The US firm says that the facility has been established as a wholly-owned subsidiary, Genentech Espana SL, and will supplement Genentech's existing bulk cell culture production capacity.

The acquisition, according to James Panek, senior vice president of product operations at Genentech, "represents a smart business opportunity for Genentech to plan ahead for additional manufacturing capacity anticipated from our full and robust pipeline of late-stage clinical projects."

The facility, which comprises around 40,000 square feet, was built in 1976 and until last year produced interferon for GW. Current employees have been hired by Genentech to operate the unit.