Rentschler Biopharma SE, a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) for biopharmaceuticals, today announced that its long-standing client, Chiesi Group, recently presented Rentschler Biopharma with the “We Excel in Innovation and Collaboration Award”. During Chiesi Group’s Vendor Day, an event that brings together Chiesi’s main suppliers to discuss best practices in terms of quality, service, innovation, and collaboration, the Supplier Awards 2022 were presented to partners recognized as outstanding in four categories. Rentschler Biopharma won the “We Excel in Innovation and Collaboration”, given to companies with outstanding records in these areas based on an internal assessment survey. In terms of innovation, Chiesi assessed the technologies, processes, ideas, and methods that companies have developed to the benefit of the Chiesi Group. The level of collaboration assessed reflects the supplier's proactivity in anticipating and solving problems and the consistency between its promises and Chiesi’s expectations.
Rino Visentin, Manager External Manufacturing at Chiesi Group, who presented the award, commented: “It is a great pleasure for Chiesi to reward the excellence of Rentschler Biopharma as a true example of a partnership that has been going on for more than seven years. An example of attention to rare diseases, to the patients who suffer from them and the construction of sustainable values for the entire community.” “It is truly an honor for us to be recognized by our long-term client, Chiesi, for our innovation and collaboration - two values that are core to our business and areas where we strive to be industry leaders. Our focus is on building sustainable value for our clients and for patients, and it is the dedication, hard work and forward thinking of our employees that enable Rentschler Biopharma to excel. I celebrate the entire team,” commented Federico Pollano, Senior Vice President Business Development of Rentschler Biopharma, who accepted the award on behalf of the company during the meeting in Parma, Italy.
Rentschler Biopharma has been working with Chiesi (previously Zymenex, which was acquired by Chiesi) to manufacture the biological active substance for Lamzede, a recombinant enzyme since 2009. Rentschler Biopharma manufactured study material for Phase I through to approval and has produced commercial supply since 2018, when Lamzede was approved in the EU and UK to treat mild to moderate alpha-mannosidosis, a rare inherited metabolic disorder. Lamzede is one of several products marketed by Chiesi, a company working with partners like Pfizer or Merck, operating in 30 countries and with more than 6,000 employees.
Alpha-mannosidosis is an ultra-rare genetic disorder characterized by a deficiency of the enzyme alpha mannosidase. This enzyme deficiency results in the body’s cells being unable to properly break down certain groups of complex sugars. The buildup of sugars can affect many parts of the body’s organs and systems, like the central nervous system. Effects of the disease vary significantly, and symptoms can include recurrent chest and ear infections, hearing loss, distinctive facial features, muscle weakness, skeletal and joint abnormalities, or cognitive abnormalities. Alpha-mannosidosis affects approximately 1 in 1,000,000 babies born worldwide.
Vendor Day was inaugurated in 2019 by Chiesi Group and all its suppliers. The event showcases the strategic projects implemented by Chiesi and the medium- to long-term objectives that the Group plans to achieve with the help of its partners, particularly in the field of sustainability. The Supplier Awards are granted to those companies that have achieved outstanding results in the area of sustainability. There are four categories of awards granted to companies that have stood out in the key areas: “Best Supplier for People and Planet”, “We Excel in Innovation and Collaboration”, “We Excel in Sustainability”, “We Excel in Quality and Service Level”.
