Available in a range of diameters, AxiChrom columns are simple to operate and give superior performance GE Healthcare introduces AxiChrom™ columns, a new concept in low-pressure chromatography. All columns have been designed to support the lean-enabling approach to column operation and maintenance. Through Intelligent Packing, intuitive handling and predictable scale-up, AxiChrom makes process chromatography easier, safer and more efficient. The columns have a novel design with a pivot or swing-out column tube that provides easy access for maintenance. AxiChrom columns are available with diameters from 50 to 1000mm, allowing customers to choose the most suitable column size for their separation, from process development to full-scale production. Intelligent Packing, with pre-programmed and verified packing methods, saves time and makes packing less dependent on the operator and a less critical step. It ensures accurate and reproducible packing results, eliminating the need for specialist expertise, and facilitating faster product change-over. Columns are easy to prime, operate and service with the interactive guidance from the AxiChrom Master and UNICORN™ method wizard; this intuitive handling helps eliminate errors thus saving time. Packing the AxiChrom 400 and larger columns is guided and controlled by the interactive AxiChrom Master, a separate unit comprising a touch-screen operator-interface that guides users with step-by-step instructions and check-lists through the key steps of packing, unpacking and maintenance. AxiChrom columns have been specifically designed to enable predictable scale-up which ensures reproducible results over a range of column diameters and lengths, easing scale-up and ensuring consistency between manufacturing locations. Full technical and regulatory support enables the fast, trouble-free set-up and tech-transfer. The columns are easy to operate and maintain, and even the largest column sizes can be handled safely by a single operator. “The launch of the AxiChrom columns is a big step forward in helping customers to increase productivity by reducing the time for start-up, packing, and maintenance as well as improving overall consistency in column performance” said Peter Ehrenheim, President and CEO Life Sciences, GE Healthcare. “The new design concept helps our customers to decrease cycle times and variability in manufacturing processes“. AxiChrom is part of the Company’s portfolio of advanced technologies that support the philosophy of lean manufacturing and operational excellence in downstream processing by bringing new levels of simplicity, efficiency and economy; resulting in shorter time to market, increased output and reduced costs. The products include BioProcess™ chromatography media, available in various formats; AxiChrom columns, from pilot to production scale; the ReadyToProcess™ platform of ready-to-use solutions for upstream and downstream bioprocessing; and PreDictor™ 96-well filter plates for high throughput process development.