On October 25, 2012, the Board of Directors of Prairie Plant Systems Inc. (PPS) approved SubTerra LLC, its wholly owned US subsidiary, to construct a 10,000 ft² GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) facility for the production of therapeutic proteins using their newly developed plant platforms. This $2.5M construction will commence in January 2013 and the Company anticipates it will take 18 months to complete.
The initial compound that will be produced for commercial purposes will be adenosine deaminase (ADA). This enzyme, an orphan drug, is already used for treating the condition severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome (SCIDS), or sometimes referred to as “bubble boy” disease. The enzyme will be produced in plants grown in the newly constructed Biosecure Underground Production Facilities, and will initially be sold as a reagent. These controlled production facilities provide genetic containment while at the same time establish GMP rated production.
This new chamber, representing the 9th generation of such a facility constructed by PPS, will create approximately 25 jobs while under construction and 7-10 full time positions upon completion.
“This is an exciting chapter for SubTerra in creating potentially new drug products using both plant genetic transformation technologies and agronomic technologies while at the same time generating more employment, all within an environmentally responsible manner” said Brent Zettl, President and CEO of Prairie Plant Systems.
Both companies, SubTerra and PPS, have demonstrated long term commitment to commercial biopharmaceutical manufacturing in the White Pine facility and enabling this business model to finally “take root”.
SubTerra would like to thank all stockholders, supporters, and employees. In addition, SubTerra would like to thank the Ontonagon County EDC, the State of Michigan MEDC, and our government legislators for helping the Company reach this important milestone.
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