Avista Pharma Spends $4mn to Upgrade Capabilities

Avista Pharma Solutions has completed the $4 million expansion of its 26,000-square foot contract testing facility in Agawam, MA. The improved facility has 4,200 square feet of additional space, featuring a new microbiology laboratory as well as a modular cleanroom area, which houses isolator technology and an ISO 6 cleanroom used for sterility testing of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and biologics. In addition, the laboratory support division has implemented new pass-through autoclaves and labware processing technologies that streamline workflow and complement Avista Pharma’s extensive suite of microbiology services.

The facility’s full range of comprehensive services will continue to include raw material and finished product release testing, ICH stability and storage, container closure integrity testing (CCIT), water system testing and validation, cleanroom monitoring and risk assessments, microbial identification via both MicroSEQ ID (rapid 16S rDNA sequencing) and Vitek MS (MALDI-TOF), mycoplasma testing, antimicrobial effectiveness testing (AET), microbial enumeration testing (MET), endotoxin and bioburden testing and disinfectant efficacy qualifications.

“We remain committed to providing best-in-class microbiology, analytical chemistry and cleanroom services,” said Patrick Walsh, chief executive officer, Avista Pharma. “This investment will complement our existing capabilities and expand our service offerings for our pharmaceutical and medical device clients.”