Freeze-Dry Equipment Elevates the Capabilities of Antivenom Serums Production in Thailand
A well-established public health institute in Thailand, specializing in antivenom serums and vaccines, was able to increase its capacity to produce freeze-dried vaccines and prolong serums’ shelf-life thanks to an industry-leading freeze-dryer supplied by DKSH.
The public health institute, located in Bangkok, specializes in the husbandry of venomous snakes, the extraction and research of snake venom, and vaccines, especially rabies vaccine. Over the years it has become a research and development center to create and dispense antivenom serums. It also houses the snake farm that is now a popular tourist attraction.
Challenge
The institute needed to expand its capacity to freeze-dry vaccines and serums produced by the team. As its previous machinery was outdated and not operating efficiently, it was also looking for more advanced equipment that would help to improve its production process.
As the serums and vaccines are time-sensitive, the institute required proper maintenance and after-sales services to ensure minimal downtime during the production process.
Another challenge faced by the institute was the limited space it had to house the new freeze-dryer. The new equipment needed to be small enough to fit into its existing premises.
Approach
We recommended the LYO3 Lyophilize Freeze Dryer solution, which would help the customer expand its production capacity while maintaining a clean and sterile environment. To ensure that the new equipment was able to fit into the limited installation space, we tailor-made the design of the new equipment to fit the customer’s requirements.
We also included comprehensive maintenance and after-sales services to ensure that there would be minimal downtime risk to the equipment and ensure production of the vaccines and serums can continue with no or limited interruption.
Result
Even with the limited installation area allocated to the new equipment, the freeze dryer was still able to help the institute increase production capacity by around 10 to 15 percent.
The equipment is also equipped with advanced functions and programs that makes it easier to manage operations with added safety features.
Resulting from the success of the first installation, the institute is planning to expand by adding another site located outside Bangkok to improve its production capacity.
