Thermo Fisher Scientific Launches First-Ever GMP- and Cleanroom-Compatible CO2 Incubator

The Thermo Scientific Heracell Vios CR CO₂ Incubator delivers performance reliability, uniformity of conditions and ease of use to support a range of demanding cell culture applications

Waltham, MA – May 4, 2021 – Thermo Fisher Scientific has launched a first-in-market CO₂ incubator that combines optimal cell growth capabilities with certified cleanroom compatibility, effectively addressing the growing need among biotechnology, biopharmaceutical and clinical laboratories for high-performance incubation systems that meet stringent cleanroom and cGMP standards.

The Thermo Scientific Heracell Vios CR CO₂ Incubator expands the Thermo Scientific Cell Therapy Systems (CTS) Series laboratory equipment portfolio with a solution specifically designed for use in GMP environments. Consistent with Thermo Fisher’s history of proven incubator technology, the new system provides optimal cell growth for even the most sensitive high-value cell cultures. This new Vios CR CO₂ incubator boasts fully enclosed casing and electronics, minimizing particle emissions in sync with critical particulate control in a Grade A/B cleanroom. Operating on the patented Thermo Scientific THRIVE active airflow technology, which delivers homogenous cell growth conditions and rapid parameter recovery in less than 10 minutes, the system prioritizes cell culture protection. Dependable contamination control is enabled through in-chamber HEPA filtration, on-demand 180°C sterilization and an optional 100% pure copper interior chamber.

Featuring a robust stainless-steel exterior and IP54-compliant design, the Vios CR CO₂ incubator can withstand the rigorous and repeated cleaning procedures that are integral to effective cleanroom management, enabling long-term use and maximum return on investment. The system is compatible with the STERIS Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP) decontamination method, facilitating easy integration into existing sterilization workflows. Furthermore, the new incubator features independent TÜV SÜD certification for compatibility with ISO Class 5 cleanrooms, allowing scientists to confidently and effectively plan their cleanrooms to meet strict air quality requirements.

“As innovative research is being rapidly translated into promising therapies, we have seen dramatic growth in demand for premium incubators that are suitably equipped for use in controlled environments,” said Douglas Wernerspach, senior business director, Laboratory Products Division at Thermo Fisher Scientific. “To effectively meet this need, we have complemented the demonstrated recovery and uniformity capabilities of the Thermo Scientific Heracell VIOS CO₂ Incubator and Thermo Scientific Forma Steri-Cycle CO₂ incubators with exceptional cleanability and GMP-enabling features to deliver the first CO₂ incubator that is specifically built for cleanroom use. This marks the latest step in our journey to better support cell therapy developers as they seek to bring innovative new therapeutics to patients.”

The new incubator comes with a range of cleanroom-compatible accessory options, including stacking adapters and roller bases to facilitate easy insertion into established laboratory processes. In addition, a comprehensive cGMP documentation package with recommended cleaning procedures and preventative maintenance protocols supports user-friendly, time-efficient implementation and validation.

To find out more about the Thermo Scientific Vios CR CO₂ incubator, visit: www.thermofisher.com/cleanroomCO2

About Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue exceeding $30 billion. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Whether our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, improving patient diagnostics and therapies or increasing productivity in their laboratories, we are here to support them. Our global team of more than 80,000 colleagues delivers an unrivaled combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and pharmaceutical services through our industry-leading brands, including Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Unity Lab Services and Patheon. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com.