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Operational Update: Stratophase brings in experienced management to oversee a business restructuring with a stronger, sustainable commercial focus

Under the new management, Stratophase is focussing its patented silicon optical microchip technology on the substantial and rapidly growing field of biopharmaceutical manufacture. The Stratophase technology is unique in enabling, previously unseen, capabilities in in-line monitoring and real time process control.

As such, Stratophase is now focussed on becoming, world-leaders in real-time, in-line bioprocess monitoring and fermentation control, to increase yields of fully functional biologics.

Biopharmaceutical manufacturers are seeking to increase yield, decrease batch rejection and reduce wastage. These objectives are receiving strong support from the US FDA, which is actively promoting its Process Analytical Technology (PAT) initiative to manufacturers of biopharmaceuticals. The rationale of PAT is to increase consistency and quality of biological products, reduce production times, and prevent batch rejection; and ultimately reduce the cost of pharmaceutical products to patients.

A key to achieving this, according to the FDA is the real-time, in-line monitoring of critical parameters in the manufacture process, rather than testing the end product.

In response to this initiative, and commercial demand, the Stratophase team has re-focussed its efforts on developing its novel technology to in-line monitoring of glucose status within the biopharmaceutical process. It is the Company’s opinion that this will enable manufacturers to:

  • Increased yields of fully functional biologics
  • manufacture higher yielding products
  • Increased confidence in their bio manufacturing process
  • reduce batch rejection

To support and manage Stratophase’s shift in business structure, the management and commercial capabilities have been significantly strengthened over the course of 2011. Michael Stevens, an experienced executive and senior manager in international product engineering and manufacturing, has been appointed as Chairman of the Company. Bill Campbell has been appointed as CEO and will utilise his wealth of Chief Executive and commercial experience gained over the past 25 years to generate organic growth through a new focus in business activity. Tim Hilton, a qualified chartered accountant, has extensive experience of managing the financial affairs of developing businesses, and will serve as CFO. This experienced management team complements the expertise held within a highly skilled research and development group, headed up by founder Greg Emerson, which has been dedicated to the development of the technology. Additionally, Sam Watts, also one of the founders of the company, will manage business development.

The company has also secured the services of George Barringer as a consultant, previously President of Groton Biosystems and has over 20 years experience within Biopharmaceutical process monitoring and control. Based in Boston, USA, George will support the company’s commercial efforts in the United States.

Stratophase’s highly experienced laboratory team has also been strengthened, with the appointment of five talented new members of staff, a 25 per cent increase. Last Exit, the digital agency, will offer design solutions as part of Stratophase’s visual and online development. In order to raise the Company’s profile, Abchurch Communications and Northern Lights have been brought on with a Corporate PR brief to focus on the UK and US media respectively.

Bill Campbell, Chief Executive Officer commented:

“2011 was a year of significant progress at Stratophase. In addition to the recruitment of an experienced Executive team, the company made great strides in the commercialisation of its technology. Our focus on glucose monitoring for the biopharmaceutical industry represents, not only a huge commercial opportunity for the company, but also for the industry partners whom we support. Stratophase’s technology provides additional monitoring capability for existing bioreactor users as well as the emerging application of Single Use Bioreactors. 2012 will be an important year for the company.”

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23 January 2012

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