Biopharmaceutical Development and Production at Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG
Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG was as pioneer at the front when at the end of the 70s the era of genetic engineering began and biotechnology was about to change forever. In continuation of more than 100 years of biotechnological experience and tradition at Boehringer Ingelheim, the Vienna site – founded in 1948 as Bender + Co GesmbH – was during the 80s scene of the first application of modern biotech methods for production of interferons in cell culture.
Based on internal research and on the rapid development of genetic engineering, the company soon embarked on the utilization of microbial fermentation technology for the production of recombinant, therapeutically active proteins. The first production plant in Vienna commenced operations in 1985. Products like interferon-alpha, Manganese-Superoxide Dismutase or Annexin V. were expressed in E. coli and yeast for clinical trials. A joint venture with Genentech Inc. (USA) that started in 1982 resulted in successful development of the first products, interferon-gamma (market entry 1992, „Imukin“) and TNF-alpha (market entry 1999, „Beromun“).
As a pioneer in biotechnology we feel committed to continuing development: Innovative technologies guarantee constant improvement of our production processes and products and secure the highest technical standard of our facilities and operations. A growing range of opportunities for basic and continuing education within Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG and at the developing Biotech site in and around Vienna provide us with highly qualified employees; their motivation and commitment is one of our greatest strengths.
Award for Technology Leadership conferred to Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG
In recent years our expertise has broadened to encompass the fermentation and purification of plasmid DNA in commercial scale through a proprietary production technology. Another technological focus is the production of antibody fragments in bacteria and yeast.
