New ADC Laboratory for Solvias AG: Maximum Safety Meets Modern Design

In the highly specialized field of analyzing and characterizing antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), even the slightest margin of error can have serious repercussions. When dealing with substances that have an occupational exposure limit (OEL) of less than 50 ng/m^3, the demands placed on laboratory design, containment systems, and ventilation are extraordinary. In this interview, Philip Schwarz from Solvias AG shares how the team tackled these challenges head-on – working with pixon to create a state-of-the-art lab that fulfills strict safety requirements, stays flexible for future needs, and meets high aesthetic standards. Read on to learn about the key successes, hurdles, and valuable lessons they discovered along the way.

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Philip, could you briefly describe the goals you pursued with the new lab and which special requirements were on the table from the very beginning?

At Solvias AG, we are looking to enter the business of analyzing and characterizing antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). The challenge we face is that warheads of ADCs have an occupational exposure limit (OEL) of less than 50 ng/m3. Therefore, we need to meet the laboratory requirements outlined in the EKAS 1871 guidelines, as well as the specifications provided by our occupational hygienist. This is why we needed a laboratory planner with expertise in this field of isolators and containment, and we found the perfect partner for the job in pixon.

The project was realized in a short time. From your perspective, what were the biggest challenges in scheduling and implementation – and how did you tackle these together with pixon?

On one hand, time was a significant factor, which presented us with a challenge. We had to make quick decisions regarding which other partner companies to collaborate with. Another challenge was the size of the room — we had limited space especially under the ceiling (piping, ventilations, filters, FFU) for such a complex setup. However, the most important factor was communication with all the companies involved. It was crucial to maintain a smooth flow of information, and Stefan Schlageter and Serena Albarello did an excellent job organizing that.

The renovation took place in a pre-existing, small room. How did you address the spatial constraints and the planning within an existing structure?

It was important to know what would be brought into this room. So, together with pixon and our operations team, we reviewed everything that would be placed in the room. We needed to determine where the sockets would go, how much space would be available in each section, and what changes would need to be made to the room itself (e.g., removing a partition wall and a door and replacing them with a window).

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Especially in the highly toxic field, containment has the highest priority. What role did the ventilation and filtration concept play, and in what way did pixon’s solution convince you here?

pixon provided us with very professional support in this area, with Simon Koch leading the effort. He did excellent work coordinating with the ventilation and control company for the building management system. The ventilation and filtration systems in the room are central to the setup. They had to meet the requirements for maintaining different negative pressures in various areas of the room (lock, laboratory, isolator). This was a significant challenge to achieve. The isolator is part of our containment system, with the primary containment being the isolator and the room itself serving as secondary containment. As a result, we conducted several tests on the ventilation and filters to ensure everything worked as expected and met the required parameters. All the companies involved maintained communication throughout this process.

Which processes or approaches during the planning and construction phase did you find particularly helpful?

Stefan Schlageter and Serena Albarello were a great help with their organization, weekly meetings, and expertise. The process was very transparent, and timelines and costs were updated regularly. This allowed us to maintain a clear overview and keep management informed about our progress. Furthermore, all additional requests and questions were considered and answered promptly.

To what extent does the completed lab meet your expectations – in terms of both functionality and safety, as well as the overall spatial feeling and appearance?

It fully meets our expectations. The laboratory is state of the art and includes all the necessary functionalities in the right places.

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Although safety aspects were paramount, the lab impresses with a very appealing, minimalist design. From your perspective, how important is the aesthetic component in a high-tech laboratory?

The goal was for the laboratory to be easy to clean, without wasting any unnecessary space. Additionally, the plan is to allow for future laboratory equipment to be added, ensuring there is flexibility for future setups.

Looking back: Which factors were crucial for the success of the project from your point of view, and what recommendations would you give other companies planning a similarly demanding lab project?

The excellent project team within the involved companies and the strong laboratory planning contributed significantly to the success. There was great synergy between the companies and excellent communication, which allowed us to quickly overcome our challenges. Our recommendation for other companies is clear: maintain good, friendly, and above all, open communication. These are the key ingredients for a successful outcome in such a demanding project.

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solvias.com

Photos: ©Boris Haberthür borishaberthuer.com

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