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ABB sponsors North Carolina biotech worker training

11/11/2008

Raleigh, N.C., November 11 – As part of its ongoing mission to educate the next generation of biotech workers, the North Carolina Community College System’s BioNetwork Validation Academy recently held a seminar that focused on the practical use of Process Analytical Technology (PAT) for life science manufacturers. ABB co-sponsored the one-day event, which was part of Validation Academy’s 2008 Excitement Series; ABB PAT expert Thomas Buijs presented a seminar on “Turning Data into Knowledge.”

As an emerging quality control concept in the biopharma industries, PAT is increasingly gaining worldwide acceptance as a proven method of ensuring product safety and quality by many industry experts. ABB has established expertise and has been at the forefront of developing solutions and standards for the implementation of PAT. ABB’s Buijs joined other international experts, as well as representatives from life sciences companies and biotech students at the event.

Held at BTEC (Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center) on Centennial campus at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, the conference was part of an educational initiative to present new and emerging technologies that will affect the region’s rapidly expanding life sciences industries.

ABB has been actively working with BTEC since it first opened in 2007; the training and education center includes a state-of-the-art pilot scale biomanufacturing facility to provide advanced hands-on training for its students. The facility uses ABB’s System 800xA Extended Automation, as well as ABB instrumentation, analyzers and variable- speed drives to control the process and provide the real-time data management, retrieval and recordkeeping needed for release of batches and to meet regulatory requirements. The use of ABB technology at the site helps to educate the students within a current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) environment and show them the benefits offered by the next generation of manufacturing technology.