ACD Pharma has acquired a building in Leknes location, Norway where Research & Development and Production is to be set up. Currently, ACD Pharma distributes phages for application to salmon, but the portfolio is to be expanded to include inactivated bacterial vaccines, Virus-like-Particles from Escherichia coli and Pichia Pastoris as well as mRNA active ingredients which are manufactured as template with Plasmid-DNA from Escherichia coli. The production should also be suitable for human application. As the planner, VUT Engineering was responsible for the production area.
- Customer name: ACD Pharma
- City, Country: Leknes, Norway
- TIC: EUR 30 million
- Start-up: 04/2021 - 09/2022
- VTU Scope: Planning (CF/BD) of 5 processes including simulation; Layout/3D Model; Procurement
- Highlight: Planning of a multi-purpose system for the production of phages and vaccines in a newly acquired building which was not intended for this purpose.
- Accident rate: No accidents
ACD Pharma
ACD Pharma distributes phages for the application to salmon, which are manufactured by a contract manufacturer in the USA. The production is to be set up at Lenknes location in a building under construction together with the Research & Development. As this was originally intended for other purposes, the measurements (height & width) pose a challenge for the production planning. In addition, there are aesthetic requirements due to the position on the coast of Lofoten.
Conceptual design
VTU Engineering was commissioned with the conceptual planning for the production plant. HVAC and Cleanroom Design was still within the scope of the architect at the time.The basis was the phage production by the contract manufacturer and the plan for the manufacture of inactive bacterial vaccines. Both processes were developed for the manufacturing including bottling and the simultaneities were simulated. An initial layout was created for identified equipments.
Basic design
VTU Engineering was subsequently commissioned with the basic design for the production plant. HVAC and Cleanroom Design were added in the course of the project. The production should also be suitable for human application.
The production portfolio was expended by the Virus-like-Particles from Escherichia coli and Pichia pastoris as well as mRNA active ingredients, which were manufactured as template with Plasmid-DNA from Escherichia coli. The design is based on literature search carried out by VTU. All processes were simulated in accordance with the developed concept and designed for a worst-case scenario in order to identify equipment and utility requirement. The layout was adapted accordingly and a 3D model (Process, Cleanroom, HVAC) was developed. Moreover, the concept was presented to EI&C & Automation.
Design documents were created for the ± 15% cost estimate and inquiries were sent to potential suppliers.