Bionique Testing Labs Marks Growth with Facility Expansion Opening

Bionique Testing Laboratories LLC (Bionique), a subsidiary of Asahi Kasei and a globally recognized mycoplasma testing services specialist for the life science industry, hosted a Grand Opening Ceremony to commemorate the completion of its newly expanded facility.

"This facility investment is about an expanded service offering," said Gladis Zamparo, CEO at Bionique. "For decades, customers have trusted Bionique for critical lot-release testing. Our expansion ensures we broaden our capabilities and digital experience, while maintaining accelerated turnaround times—so our partners can release safe products faster. "

The new footprint features purpose-built labs designed for mycoplasma, sterility, endotoxin, and viral testing method development and processing. It also includes flexible containment labs and BSL capabilities to meet diverse modality needs across biologics, cell and gene therapies, and advanced therapeutics. The expansion increases capacity for high-volume, CGMP-compliant lot-release workflows with optimized sample logistics and throughput.

"The industry is at a turning point," said Lori Daane, PhD., Chief Scientific Officer. "As global regulations evolve to enable broader adoption of rapid testing methods for mycoplasma and sterility, Bionique's decades of scientific rigor, method development, and quality systems provide a clear path to implementation, without compromising compliance."

As announced in April this year, Bionique remains part of Asahi Kasei's Bioprocess division, which is now under the Asahi Kasei Life Science umbrella. Since 2021, Bionique and ViruSure, a Vienna-based CRO specializing in viral services, have joined forces to provide a comprehensive biosafety service offering.

"This expansion allows Bionique to broaden its analytical portfolio, aligning with Asahi Kasei's strategy to invest in solutions for the life science industry with long-term growth potential," said Andy Bailey, CEO of ViruSure and Head of the Biosafety Testing Division at Asahi Kasei Bioprocess. "By building on Bionique's expertise in microbiological testing as well as ViruSure's expertise in virus safety testing of both traditional and novel therapeutic modalities, we aim to support customers on a global scale, advancing the safety and reliability of biopharmaceutical products across modalities and creating value for our partners and stakeholders."