A new 18,000-square-meters (~193,000 square feet) R&D center in Nantong will allow WuXi AppTec’s DMPK Team to meet the demand of a variety of projects, from screening PK to IND applications – while meeting international standards.
In May 2023, WuXi AppTec Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) officially opened a brand-new R&D center in Nantong, China. This R&D center will focus on conducting large animal PK studies as well as non-GLP bioanalytical research services.
The launch of the DMPK Nantong R&D Center has expanded the capabilities and capacity of WuXi AppTec’s DMPK Services Department. This will allow the DMPK Department to continue to provide comprehensive and high-standard PK study services – and accelerate the new drug development process for clients.
Keep reading to learn more about the new facility.
Figure 1 WuXi AppTec’s new Nantong R&D Center for DMPK
DMPK Nantong R&D Center Features
This new center at WuXi AppTec plays an important role in supporting preclinical DMPK studies, covering the entire spectrum from early development stages to the filing of Investigational New Drugs (INDs). It primarily specializes in two key areas: large animal pharmacokinetics (PK) and non-GLP bioanalysis, featuring:
- State-of-the-art facilities aligned with international and European standards, with a focus on large animal PK studies.
- A cutting-edge non-GLP bioanalysis laboratory, renowned for its precision and high-throughput capabilities.
- Streamlined digital operations to enhance project efficiency and safety for all our customers.
- Inviting office and relaxation spaces thoughtfully designed to foster a comfortable and productive work environment for our employees.
# 1. Large Animal Pharmacokinetics (PK)
The new Nantong R&D center stands out for its remarkable capacity to house a diverse range of large animals, including dogs, monkeys, pigs, rabbits, and ferrets. This facility is well-equipped to conduct a variety of projects, such as standard screening PK, dose range finding (DRF) studies, and IND applications.
In addition, the new R&D center houses a clinical pathology laboratory that offers a wide range of capabilities, including clinical chemistry, CBC (complete blood count), coagulation assessments, and urinalysis.
# 2. Non-GLP Bioanalysis
This new R&D center further extends its support by offering a cutting-edge non-GLP bioanalytical platform, ensuring the provision of efficient and high-quality services across all preclinical stages of drug development.
Combining the expertise of a professional analytical team with state-of-the-art equipment, quality control systems, and comprehensive digital project management, the center is equipped to address complex bioanalysis challenges related to various molecular entities, including small molecules, biomarkers, PROTACs, peptides, liposomes, ADCs, PDCs, proteins, and nucleic acids.
A Final Word
WuXi AppTec’s DMPK Department has established five R&D centers across the world:
- New Jersey, USA
- Shanghai, China
- Suzhou, China
- Nanjing, China
- Nantong, China
The establishment of the Nantong facility, part of WuXi AppTec’s DMPK Department, is a significant expansion that bolsters the department’s capabilities and capacity. This strategic move ensures the sustainability of the business and enhances its ability to accelerate new drug development processes for clients worldwide.
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As a global company with operations across Asia, Europe, and North America, WuXi AppTec provides a broad portfolio of R&D and manufacturing services that enable the global pharmaceutical and life sciences industry to advance discoveries and deliver groundbreaking treatments to patients. Through its unique business models, WuXi AppTec’s integrated, end-to-end services include chemistry drug CRDMO (Contract Research, Development and Manufacturing Organization), biology discovery, preclinical testing and clinical research services, helping customers improve the productivity of advancing healthcare products through cost-effective and efficient solutions. WuXi AppTec received an AA ESG rating from MSCI for the fourth consecutive year in 2024 and its open-access platform is enabling around 6,000 customers from over 30 countries to improve the health of those in need – and to realize the vision that “every drug can be made and every disease can be treated.”
