Press Release 08/06

Ferring Pharmaceuticals, which specialises in the whole drug discovery cycle from target identification and validation through to medicinal chemistry and lead pharmacology, has recently installed a large Bigneat recirculatory filtration fume cabinet at their Southampton/UK laboratories.

When planning for one of their new laboratory automation processes, which involves the screening of candidate drugs for efficacy, the company made a clean laboratory atmosphere a priority. Some solvents, such as DMSO, can be released into a laboratory and to maintain the cleanest and healthiest environment possible, Ferring sought a bespoke solution to remove any fumes.

Their plan was to install the robotics systems, two Beckman FX robotics systems and a Genevac centrifugal evaporator, on a single bench and to place a dedicated fume extraction over this.

Enclosure specialists Bigneat was able to offer an effective solution to meet the specification; an enclosure with recirculatory filtration to remove the fumes.

They manufactured and installed a bespoke cabinet, comprising two filter housings both with three stage filtration including pre-filter, HEPA filter and carbon filters optimised for organic solvents. The unit is 5.5m long, 0.9m deep and has an internal height of 1.2m. The unit has internal lighting, access is via three sliding doors and it has acrylic panels all round for excellent visibility.

Commenting on their installation, Sally Hampton, Lead Discovery Team Leader stated, “We felt the proposal Bigneat offered, gave everybody from the lab and senior management, the right solution for our requirements. We are very impressed by the final result as it has enhanced the quality of the laboratory environment”.

Ferring is a Swiss-based research driven, speciality biopharmaceutical group active in global markets. The company identifies, develops and markets innovative products in the areas of endocrinology, gastroenterology, gynaecology, infertility and urology. In recent years Ferring has expanded beyond its traditional European base and now has offices in over 40 countries.