“The benefits for Terumo BCT are potentially huge. Not only would there be cost savings from removing the foil overwraps [on bagged medical liquids], but it would be a more sustainable and environmentally friendly product.”

Brian Cassidy, Research and Development Manager, Solutions Product Development

Terumo BCT is a large billion-dollar company head-quartered in Colorado, USA - a leader in healthcare products for blood management, blood safety, therapeutic apheresis, cell therapy and cell collections. With around 7,000 employees across its global locations, it has eight factories, including one in Larne, Northern Ireland.  Brian Cassidy moved across from Colorado in Summer 2022 to manage the Larne Research and Development team on new product development.

Terumo BCT in Larne is currently partnering with Queen’s University Belfast on its first Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), with Associate Lucy Finlay who is on track to successfully complete by August 2023 the project she was appointed to lead. The project is to develop a drug product container that can maintain or extend the shelf life of intravenous (IV) pharmaceutical products without the need for certain secondary packaging, such as a foil overwrap.

Brian reports that while the KTP was underway before he moved to Northern Ireland, it is going extremely well.  He explains that the KTP is investigating the development of a novel polymer film that will substantially reduce moisture transmission, or evaporation.  Many of Terumo BCT’s specialist medical products are IV liquid solutions produced in polymer bags holding different volumes, that range from simple saline solutions to potent sedatives. Until now, an additional, protective foil overwrap around each bag has been required to reduce moisture transmission and thereby give the products a two-year shelf life.   

“Lucy has been sourcing and running tests with a number of new candidate polymer films,” explains Brian. “Her tests have ruled out around six to date, but she is progressing with two new films that provide the barrier protection we need to keep the two-year shelf life.  Her work to date shows that the goal we set ourselves for the project is feasible. The next step now is to prepare a business case with detailed costings for the production of the new polymer film bags, and to support the removal of the foil overwraps.”

The Queen’s University team in the School of Pharmacy, led by Professor David Jones have been closely involved with the project. Monthly meetings take place attended by the University team, Lucy, her supervisor Fabrice Wallace, and Brian. The academics also keep in regular touch with Lucy between meetings to share details of new knowledge and new developments, and to give feedback on her work. 

“Having the University as a partner has been very useful in moving this new product development forward,” Brian reflects.  “As a global company we already have a significant research and development resource, but there are many calls on our time to develop and adapt our product range to meet changing licensing regulations or a change in the supply of a particular component.  The KTP means that here in Larne, Lucy is a dedicated person able to focus exclusively on one innovative product development, with support from the University.”

Terumo BCT’s experience in Larne with their first KTP has been incredibly positive and Brian is considering proposals for future KTP projects. 

Speaking of the anticipated benefits from the first KTP project Brian says:

“Development and production of a new polymer film bag for liquids that would no longer require the additional foil overwrap would be a significant commercial success for the company, particularly if we are the first to bring such an innovative product to market and to roll it out globally across all the Terumo BCT factories. The benefits for Terumo BCT are potentially huge. Not only would there be cost savings from removing the foil overwraps, but it would be a more sustainable and environmentally friendly product, particularly as the foil used is not currently recyclable. Like most companies, Terumo BCT is committed to finding more sustainable ways of operating.” 

Brian reflects on what advice he might offer to other businesses considering KTP and says:

“If your company sees an opportunity for an innovation, but has been pulled away from starting it by other more pressing demands, a KTP is a great chance to work on a new idea for a limited time, with a new member of staff whose salary costs are partially supported by the project. It is an excellent opportunity for a company to evaluate a potential permanent employee.  Another major plus is the additional knowledge and expertise provided by the University partner that comes across to the business.  There is a rigorous application process for a KTP, but it is well worth it – and the KTP office team are available to help with that too.”

Media

For more information about this partnership, please contact aoife.lynch@qub.ac.uk