Sigma-Aldrich BioReliance, the biologics and early-development services business under SAFC, has opened a new clearance services facility in Rockville, Md.

This facility allows BioReliance to offer increased capacity and flexible scheduling. The new U.S. facility more than doubles the space available to clients to conduct their critical downstream bioprocessing studies.

The Rockville facility features four large clearance suites with modular layouts that allow for customized laboratory setups. All studies performed at the facility are completely secure and supported by dedicated scientists and state-of-the-art chromatography equipment, such as GE Healthcare's ÄKTA avant. Every project is fully compliant with applicable global guidelines and regulations. Completed studies receive a consolidated report that includes comprehensive titration and/or process data. BioReliance has already successfully conducted several client studies and quality audits in the new facility.

Clients using BioReliance's U.S. facility will have access to personalized modular laboratory suites with technology-enabled lounges, "suite-to-lounge" monitoring and support from facility personnel.

The Rockville Clearance Services facility investment completes BioReliance's upgrade. The Scotland Clearance Services laboratories were renovated and expanded in 2011.