Millipore Acquires Sterile Transfer Technology, Introduces SafePass-TM- Sterile Transfer System.

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BEDFORD, Mass.--(BW HealthWire)--Nov. 12, 2001

Millipore Corporation (NYSE/MIL) announced the acquisition of technology that enables the sterile transfer of materials in barrier isolators and clean rooms used in the manufacturing of biotherapeutics and pharmaceuticals. Millipore acquired the technology from affiliates of IC Technology of Livingston, New Jersey. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Susan Vogt, President of Millipore's BioPharmaceutical Division, commented: "Sterile processing is critical to producing biotherapeutics, and our goal is to provide a total solution to that application. Sterile transfer of materials into barrier isolators and clean rooms is part of sterile processing, and IC Technology has developed some innovative technology to do this. We're very excited about the technology and the sterile transfer system we are able to offer to our customers immediately."

A barrier isolator is an isolation chamber sealed off from the general atmosphere that surrounds a sterile filling line. The purpose is to prevent contamination of a sterile filling environment and avoid operator exposure to toxic drugs. Millipore's SafePass Sterile Transfer System assures the safe transfer of components and materials required for aseptic filling, including stoppers, needles, fluids and aerosol systems. The SafePass system consists of a transfer port with a patented UV sterilizing source that provides a secure, sterile access to a barrier isolator or clean room, as well as the expendable containers used to transfer components and materials.

Stephen Tingley, Millipore's Director of BioPharmaceutical Marketing, notes: "Beyond the obvious advantage of a secure sterile transfer, the key benefits of the SafePass system are speed, flexibility and convenience. It is faster and easier than other methods ...